HELB Disburses Loans; Announces New Lowered University Fees

People waiting to be served at the HELB offices in Nairobi. Photo BD

The Higher Education and Loans Board has issued a press statement recognizing the awarding of loans to 136,634 eligible first-time university applicants.

The loans have been granted to students who applied under the Student Centered Funding Model for the 2025/2026 academic year.

In addition to providing loans to students, the Higher Education and Loans Board has announced that university fees per semester will now vary between a minimum of Ksh 5,814 and a maximum of Ksh 75,000.

‘’Following the government's directive to lower the cost of university programs the university fees payable by students per semester will range from a minimum student contribution per semester of Ksh 5, 814 to a maximum of Ksh 75 ,000," the statement read in part.

HELB states that the variation depends on the student's financial need and the cost of the academic program they are enrolled in.

Education CS Julius Ogamba during a retreat with Chairpersons of Councils of Public Universities in Mombasa on June 18, 2025. Photo Ministry of Education

"The variation is dependent on the student's level of need and the cost of university program enrolled," read the statement.

The statement also recommended that students verify their loan status on the Higher Education Financing website (www.hef.co.ke) and confirm their upkeep loan awards via the HELB student portal.

Students were encouraged to contact their university administration for information on fee payment schedules and to access tuition loan allocations through the HELB institutional portal.

The Ministry emphasized that this initiative is a key component of its ongoing dedication to ensuring that no deserving student is excluded from higher education because of financial constraints.

The Ministry has assured students and stakeholders that the Government is unwavering in its dedication to supporting higher education as a catalyst for national development.

Education CS Ogamba highlighted the government's ongoing dedication to supporting education as a crucial factor in national development and equity.