Relief for university students as HELB finally distributes Ksh.1.56 billion

Relief for university students as HELB finally distributes Ksh.1.56 billion

The government, via the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), has allocated Ksh.1.56 billion to students and trainees for their tuition and living expenses.

Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba announced that the funds were released on Friday, providing crucial support for university and college students currently enrolled in the program.

“A total of 31,263 TVET trainees and 33,863 university students will benefit from these loan disbursements,” the CS noted.

“This funding will ensure that the needs of students and trainees are addressed, allowing them to pursue their academic, training, and research activities without obstacles.”

Beneficiary students and trainees have been informed of the disbursements through HELB’s official communication channels and are advised to check their portals.

In the current Financial Year 2024/2025, HELB has disbursed a total of Ksh.32.7 billion for living and tuition loans, which are expected to assist 195,522 trainees in TVET institutions and 390,612 university students.

The CS expressed confidence that the government would continue to support university students and TVET trainees in achieving their academic and training objectives, despite the ongoing debate surrounding the new University Funding Model.

This disbursement follows pressure from some MPs and stakeholders regarding the delay in HELB fund distribution, which had left many students in financial distress.

Last month, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina raised concerns about the delay, urging the Departmental Committee on Education to clarify the funding crisis.

The delay was a result of a High Court ruling on December 20, 2024, which deemed the new higher education funding model unconstitutional, preventing its implementation until the government complies with constitutional and legal standards.

In response, the Ministry of Education committed to introducing a revised funding model for tertiary education, expected to be launched later this year. Meanwhile, the government has pledged to revert to the previous HELB funding system.

The financial strain has led to unrest at several universities, with students protesting and, in some cases, lecturers boycotting exams in solidarity with affected students.