HELB Disburses Sh1.56 Billion for Tuition and Upkeep

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HELB Disburses Sh1.56 Billion for Tuition and Upkeep

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has released Sh1.56 billion in loans to support tuition and upkeep for university students and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainees across the country.

According to HELB, the funds will benefit 31,263 TVET trainees and 33,863 university students.

Ensuring Access to Education

In a press statement, Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba confirmed that students have been notified through HELB’s official communication channels.

“I call upon university students and TVET trainees to check their HELB portals,” advised Ogamba.

He further highlighted that in the 2024/2025 Financial Year, HELB has so far disbursed a total of Sh32.7 billion, benefiting:

195,522 TVET trainees
390,612 university students

Ogamba emphasized that the funds will enable students to continue their studies and research without financial hindrance.

Government’s Commitment to Higher Education

The CS reaffirmed the government’s dedication to supporting university students and TVET trainees, ensuring they achieve their academic and professional training goals.

“The provision of this funding will ensure student and trainee needs are met, allowing them to focus on their education,” he stated.

This latest disbursement reflects the government’s ongoing efforts to strengthen higher education and technical training in Kenya.

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is a state corporation in Kenya that provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education in universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions. Established in 1995 under the Higher Education Loans Board Act, HELB plays a crucial role in making education accessible to students who may not afford tuition and upkeep costs.

Key Functions of HELB

  1. Disbursing Student Loans – Provides tuition and upkeep loans to students in universities and TVET institutions.
  2. Scholarships & Bursaries – Offers financial aid through bursaries and scholarships for needy students.
  3. Loan Recovery – Ensures that beneficiaries repay their loans after completing their studies to sustain the fund.
  4. Financial Advisory – Educates students and institutions on financial management and loan application processes.

Eligibility for HELB Loans

  • Must be a Kenyan citizen enrolled in a recognized university or TVET institution.
  • Demonstrate financial need for assistance.
  • Provide required documents, including admission letters and identification.

Types of HELB Loans

  1. Undergraduate Loans – Available for students in public and private universities.
  2. TVET Loans – For trainees in government-approved technical and vocational institutions.
  3. Postgraduate Loans – Offered to students pursuing master’s and PhD programs.
  4. Jielimishe Loans – A self-sponsored student loan product.
  5. Bursaries & Scholarships – For exceptionally needy students.

Loan Repayment

  • Undergraduate loans have a grace period of one year after completing studies before repayment begins.
  • Loan repayment can be done through salary check-off, bank deposits, or mobile money platforms like M-Pesa.
  • HELB offers penalty waivers and incentives for early repayment.

Challenges Facing HELB

  • Loan Defaults: Many graduates struggle to repay loans due to unemployment.
  • Funding Constraints: Increased demand for loans has led to financial strain.
  • Delays in Disbursement: Some students experience delays due to budgetary allocations.

Government Efforts to Strengthen HELB

  • Increased budget allocations to HELB.
  • Loan recovery strategies to boost sustainability.
  • Integration of new funding models like the Higher Education Financing Model (HEF) to support needy students.

HELB continues to be a key pillar in ensuring access to affordable higher education in Kenya, enabling students to complete their studies and contribute to the country’s development.

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