MIGORI, Kenya — Students applying for government scholarships and loans have been warned against providing false information about their family backgrounds after the Universities Fund revealed that some applicants are falsely claiming to be orphans to qualify for higher levels of financial support.
Speaking during a higher education funding sensitisation forum at Uriri High School in Migori County, Universities Fund Acting Chief Executive Officer Edwin Wanyonyi said the agency had detected attempts by some applicants to misrepresent their circumstances under the needs-based funding model.
“You now know that if you are an orphan, you qualify for the highest level of scholarship. Some of you are now trying to ‘kill’ your parents on paper so that you can receive more government support,” Wanyonyi said.
False Claims Will Be Verified
Wanyonyi warned that the Universities Fund and the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) have verification systems capable of detecting false declarations made during the application process.
“We have mechanisms to verify the information you provide. If your parents are alive, we will know. The best thing is to be truthful because the funding model is designed to identify those who genuinely need support,” he said.
The needs-based funding model assesses applicants using information such as household income, number of siblings, medical conditions, disability status, and other social and economic indicators to determine the level of government support.
Applications Underway
The remarks come as more than 200,000 students placed in universities through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) begin applying for government scholarships and HELB loans ahead of the September intake.
Under the current higher education funding model, all students admitted to public universities qualify for some level of government scholarship. Students assessed as the most financially vulnerable receive the highest support, with the government covering up to 55 per cent of their tuition fees, while the balance is met through loans and household contributions based on financial need.
Wanyonyi encouraged all eligible students to apply for both scholarships and HELB loans to maximise their chances of receiving adequate financial support.
“You have already been placed by KUCCPS. The next step is securing funding,” he said.
He also urged parents to support their children during the application process by ensuring all information submitted is complete and accurate.
“Parents should walk this journey with their children. Help them provide all the required documents and ensure they give us truthful information. Details such as poverty levels, the number of siblings and illnesses in the family are important. They help us determine the appropriate level of scholarship,” Wanyonyi said.
HELB Urges Honest Applications
Speaking at the same forum, HELB Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Monari urged all 2025 KCSE candidates who have secured admission to universities or Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions to apply for government funding regardless of their grades.
“You must apply to be considered for funding. If you do not submit an application, you will not be eligible for government scholarships or loans. But please be honest in your application,” Monari said.
He noted that applicants claiming orphan status must upload death certificates for their parents, while students who previously benefited from scholarships should provide supporting documentation.
Monari also said students who are still minors and do not yet possess national identity cards may apply using their KUCCPS index numbers.
Applicants living with disabilities were encouraged to disclose their status and submit the necessary supporting documents to enable appropriate assessment.
He reminded students that the application process is free of charge and cautioned them against allowing third parties to complete applications on their behalf.
Monari further warned applicants against registering with another person’s phone number, email address, or national identity card, noting that all official communication, including funding decisions, will be sent through the contact details provided during registration.
Students admitted to universities and TVET institutions have until September 6, 2026, to complete their applications for government scholarships and HELB loans.