The Ministry of Education has today announced the release of KSh9.46 billion in Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds, a move set to benefit 309,178 university students across the country.

According to the ministry, KSh5.76 billion has been allocated for tuition, while KSh3.7 billion will go towards students’ upkeep. The disbursement is expected to ease financial strain on learners and institutions amid rising concerns over delayed loan processing.

Education stakeholders have welcomed the release, noting that timely funding is crucial in ensuring continuity of studies, especially for students from low-income backgrounds who heavily rely on HELB loans.

The government reaffirmed its commitment to supporting higher education financing, with officials emphasizing that no deserving student should be locked out of university education due to financial hardship.

HELB loans remain a lifeline for thousands of Kenyan students, covering tuition fees and living expenses. The fresh disbursement comes at a time when many universities had raised concerns over fee arrears, urging the state to fast-track loan processing to sustain institutional operations.