Thousands of Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) students are set to benefit from government-backed loans after President William Ruto directed their inclusion in the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funding programme.
The move traces back to April when Ruto visited KMTC Gucha Campus in Kisii County and listened to concerns from students who felt unfairly excluded from financial support available to university, TVET and college learners. Following the appeal, the president instructed Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to ensure KMTC students were considered in future HELB allocations.
KMTC students to receive HELB funding
Speaking at State House while assenting to the Finance Bill 2026, Ruto confirmed that the directive had been implemented, opening the door for KMTC learners to access loans for the first time under the Higher Education Financing Programme.
“KMTC students are now eligible to apply for HELB funding. This was not the case in the past. As I went around, specifically when I was at some point in Kisii, I remember one of the student leaders coming to me and telling me, ‘Mr President, we are as good as the other students in TVETs, colleges and those in universities.’ I am happy that I can respond positively to that student leader,” he said.
The decision comes as the government pushes ahead with reforms aimed at streamlining higher education funding. Parliament is currently considering legislation that would merge several education funding and placement agencies into a single body to improve efficiency and student support services.
The announcement also coincides with a record KSh 58 billion allocation for student loans in the 2026/2027 financial year, up from KSh 41 billion previously. The increased funding is expected to expand access to higher education financing and ease the burden on students and their families.