The government, through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), has sent out Ksh.1.56 billion to students and trainees to help cover their tuition fees and daily expenses.

Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba announced that the said funds were released on Friday last week.

He emphasized that this financial support would significantly help university and college students who rely on the program to continue their education without financial struggles.

“This funding will benefit a total of 31,263 trainees in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, along with 33,863 university students,” the CS stated.

Ensuring Continuous Learning

With the release of these funds, students and trainees have already received official notifications from HELB.

They have been advised to check their portals to confirm their loan disbursements. This step ensures that all beneficiaries are aware of the financial aid available to them.

Furthermore, the government remains committed to supporting students so they can focus on their studies, training, and research without interruptions.

By providing this funding, the government aims to create an uninterrupted smooth learning experience for all recipients.

HELB Disbursements in the Current Financial Year

So far, in the 2024/2025 financial year, HELB has disbursed a total of Ksh.32.7 billion. This amount covers both tuition and upkeep loans for students in higher education institutions.

Specifically, 195,522 TVET trainees and 390,612 university students have received financial assistance.

Despite ongoing discussions about the new University Funding Model, the CS reassured students that the government remains dedicated to supporting both university learners and TVET trainees.

He emphasized that education remains a top priority, and efforts are being made to ensure funding challenges do not disrupt students’ academic journeys.

Challenges and Delays in HELB Funding

The disbursement comes at a time when some Members of Parliament (MPs) and other stakeholders have been raising concerns about delays in HELB funding.

Thousands of students had been left in financial distress due to the delays, making it difficult for them to meet their academic needs.

Last month, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina voiced her concerns about the delay. She urged the Departmental Committee on Education to provide clear answers regarding the funding crisis.

The delay was caused by a High Court ruling issued on December 20, 2024. The court declared that the new higher education funding model was unconstitutional.

Therefore, it could not be implemented until the government ensured it met all legal and constitutional requirements.

Government’s Response and Next Steps

Following the court’s decision, the Ministry of Education pledged to develop a revised funding model for tertiary education.

This updated model is expected to be introduced later this year. In the meantime, the government has committed to returning to the previous HELB funding system to ensure students continue receiving financial support.

However, the financial struggles caused by the delays, had already led to student unrest in several universities.

Frustrated by the situation, students staged protests demanding immediate action. In some cases, lecturers even boycotted examinations in solidarity with affected students.

As the government works towards a long-term solution, the recent disbursement of Ksh.1.56 billion is expected to provide much-needed relief to students and trainees.

This therefore, allowing them to focus on their studies without financial worries.

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