The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has disbursed loans to 136,634 first time university students for the 2025/2026 academic year. This is a big push from the government to support students under the new Student-Centred Funding Model.
In a statement on August 15, 2025, Education CS Julius Ogamba announced the news, saying the government is committed to reducing the financial burden on new university students by providing both tuition and upkeep loans.
The New Funding Model: A Game Changer for Students
This year’s loan disbursement is part of the efforts to ensure higher education is accessible to all qualified students regardless of their financial background. Under the Student-Centred Funding Model, the amount of financial support a student will receive will depend on their financial need and the cost of their program.
According to the Ministry of Education, university fees per semester will range from Ksh 5,814 to Ksh 75,000 depending on a student’s financial need and the program they are in. This is part of the government’s efforts to reduce the cost of university programs and make it easier for more students to access education.
What Does This Mean for Students?
For many first time students these loans are a lifeline. The funds will cover tuition fees and upkeep, a big relief to students and their families. Students who have applied for loans can now check their upkeep loan awards via the HELB student portal on the Higher Education Financing website. They should also liaise with their respective university administration offices for specific fee payment schedules.
A More Affordable University Experience
Disbursement of these loans is a big step in ensuring no student is left behind due to financial constraints. As CS Ogamba said, this is in line with the government’s commitment to quality education and equitable access to higher learning for all students. The goal is not just to make education affordable but also sustainable and inclusive for Kenya’s long term development.
With the reduction in semester fees and these loans, students and families will feel some relief from the financial pressure of pursuing a university education.