The government has awarded Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans to more than 136,000 first-year university students in a move aimed at easing the financial burden of higher education. The announcement was made on August 15, 2025, by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba in an official notice to universities.
According to the Ministry of Education, a total of 136,634 first-time applicants successfully secured funding under the new Student-Centred Funding Model for the 2025/2026 academic year. The loans are expected to cover both tuition and upkeep, enabling thousands of students from diverse financial backgrounds to pursue university studies without interruption.
The ministry also confirmed a revision of university fee structures in line with government directives to lower the cost of higher education. Going forward, university fees per semester will range between Ksh5,814 and Ksh75,000, depending on a student’s level of financial need and the cost of their academic programme. This represents a shift towards a more equitable approach to higher education financing, with support tailored to individual students.
“Further, following the Government’s directive to lower the cost of university programs, the fees payable will now reflect both a minimum and maximum contribution, ensuring affordability for all,” read the ministry’s statement.
Students who applied for HELB support have been urged to check their upkeep loan award status via the HELB student portal on the Higher Education Financing website. Universities will access tuition loan allocations through the HELB institutional portal, ensuring seamless integration of the new funding model.
CS Ogamba reaffirmed the government’s commitment to making higher education accessible: “This progress reaffirms the Government’s dedication to quality and equitable access to university studies, ensuring no qualified student is left behind due to financial constraints.”
Education stakeholders have welcomed the move, noting that the combination of HELB loans and reduced semester fees will provide relief to households struggling with rising economic pressures. The initiative is also expected to strengthen academic continuity and contribute to the government’s long-term goal of positioning higher education as a key driver of national development.
