NAIROBI, Kenya — The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has released Sh1.56 billion to support university and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students with tuition and upkeep loans, offering relief amid growing concerns over delays in funding disbursement.
The funds, disbursed on March 14, 2025, will benefit 31,263 TVET trainees and 33,863 university students, according to the Ministry of Education.
Beneficiaries have been notified through HELB’s official communication channels and advised to check their loan portals for updates.
This latest allocation brings the total disbursement for the 2024/2025 financial year to Sh32.7 billion, covering 195,522 trainees in TVET institutions and 390,612 university students.
The government says the financial aid is crucial in ensuring that students continue their studies without disruptions.
The announcement follows recent student protests over delays in loan disbursements, which have left many struggling to cover basic expenses.
The delay was partly attributed to a High Court ruling on December 20, 2024, which suspended the government’s new university funding model, forcing HELB to revert to the old system temporarily.
HELB disbursed Ksh. 1.56 billion in student upkeep and tuition loans on Friday, March 14, 2025. The beneficiaries were notified through HELB’s official communication channels. HELB reaffirms its commitment to supporting the government’s initiative of providing financial…
President William Ruto recently acknowledged the challenges facing HELB, assuring students that the funding would be released by Friday, March 14.
Speaking in Dagoretti South, he admitted to “confusion” at the loans board but said he had instructed the Head of Public Service to resolve the matter urgently.
“Hapo kwa Helb kumekuwa na kizungumkuti kidogo, jana nimekuwa na waziri ambaye anahusika,” he said.
He even joked that students should call him directly if the money failed to reach their accounts on time.
The situation has been particularly tense for first- and second-year university students, who were initially meant to receive funding under the new model before the court ruling halted its implementation.
With no clear resolution in sight, HELB continues to navigate legal and administrative hurdles to ensure students receive the financial support they need.
