The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has asked students and parents to ignore a viral message claiming that billions of shillings had been released to learners, flagging it fake and misleading.
A letter shared on social media alleged that HELB had disbursed KSh 9.46 billion to more than 300,000 students. The letter, which was falsely linked to Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, caused confusion, leaving many students expecting money to hit their accounts.
But HELB says the message is not genuine.
The board clarified that there has been no special or mass disbursement as claimed online. Instead, the usual upkeep payments are being released gradually as universities reopen for the new term.
“Students should only trust information shared through our official communication channels,” HELB said, warning that fraudsters often take advantage of such situations to mislead learners.
The fake notice had even broken down the money into tuition and upkeep figures, something HELB now says was completely made up.
For many students, the rumours sparked hope and anxiety in equal measure, with some refreshing their mobile banking apps and HELB portals, only to find nothing.
At the same time, the board reminded graduates who benefited from the loans to start repaying so the fund can support others.
HELB Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Monari noted that loan repayment remains a big problem, especially among professionals in private practice.
Data from the board shows that only a small number of accountants, doctors, lawyers and engineers are actively paying back their loans, leaving thousands in default years after finishing school.
Monari said the money recovered from past beneficiaries is what helps keep the programme alive for the next generation of students.
“Paying back is not a punishment. It helps another young Kenyan get the same opportunity,” he said.
