The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has released Sh9.46 billion to more than 309,000 university students across the country, easing financial pressure for learners and their families.
The funds, disbursed on Tuesday, August 19, will cover both tuition fees and student upkeep for the current academic year.
According to Education Cabinet Secretary Jullus Migos Ogamba, the allocation includes Sh5.76 billion for tuition payments made directly to universities and Sh3.7 billion for upkeep allowances deposited into student accounts.
“We are pleased to notify parents, guardians, and university students that HELB has, as of today, disbursed a total of Sh9.46 billion in financial support to 309,178 university students,” Ogamba said in a statement.
Students have been urged to log into their HELB portals to confirm receipt of the funds and access details of their individual disbursements.
The government reassured learners and parents of its continued commitment to affordable higher education.
“The government will continue to provide the requisite funding to ensure that higher education remains accessible and affordable, and that no student is left behind on account of financial limitations,” Ogamba added.
The latest disbursement is expected to ease delays and disruptions that have in the past left students stranded and universities underfunded due to late payments.
HELB loans remain a critical support system for many undergraduates, covering tuition and providing monthly stipends for basic upkeep. Education stakeholders have often raised concerns about delayed disbursements, but Tuesday’s release is likely to bring relief to both students and institutions.
The Ministry of Education emphasized that timely financing is key to ensuring continuity in learning and reducing the financial burden on households, as student numbers continue to rise.
