HELB Awards Loans to 136,634 First-Time Applicants: How to Check Your Status
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has announced that 136,634 first-time applicants have been awarded loans under the Student-Centered Funding Model for the 2025/2026 academic year. The announcement was made by Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba on August 16, 2025.
How Much Will Students Pay?
According to CS Ogamba, the government has reduced the cost of university education. Fees will now range from a minimum student contribution of KSh 5,814 to a maximum of KSh 75,000 per semester. The variation depends on the program enrolled and the student’s level of financial need.
How to Check Your HELB Loan Status
- Log in to your HELB Student Portal.
- Navigate to the “Loan Status” section to confirm your upkeep loan award.
- Contact your university’s finance office to confirm the fee payment schedule.
University Access to Tuition Loans
HELB has directed universities to access tuition loan allocations through the HELB institutional portal. This ensures timely disbursement and fee clearance for admitted students.
Why This Matters
This announcement provides relief to thousands of Kenyan students and parents facing high education costs. With the new funding model, students are expected to pay less out-of-pocket, making higher education more accessible.
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