The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has approved loans for 136,634 first-time university students for the 2025/2026 academic year, giving thousands of young Kenyans financial relief as they begin their studies.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced the disbursement on August 15, noting that the loans will cover both tuition and upkeep under the new Student-Centred Funding Model.
“This milestone proves the Government’s determination to render higher education accessible and affordable to all eligible students,” CS Ogamba said.
The university fees per semester will now range between Ksh5,814 and Ksh75,000, depending on the capacity of the student to pay as well as the cost of the program being undertaken.
This is after the government directed that the cost of university education be lowered.
Students who applied for the HELB loans for first-time university students are advised to check their award status on the HELB student portal and work with their university administration offices to confirm fee payment schedules. Universities will access tuition allocations directly through the HELB institutional portal.
The Ministry stressed that no qualified student should miss out on higher education due to financial challenges. “This progress reaffirms the Government’s commitment to equity in higher education and national development,” the CS added.
With the loans now in place and semester fees reduced, families are expected to feel less financial strain, helping students focus on their studies and complete their programs without interruption.
