- HELB has completed the allocation of loans for students who applied by September 3, 2026
- The board has begun disbursing upkeep funds to eligible students while tuition payments remain scheduled for later in September.
- The Govt has increased higher education financing to Sh56.7 billion for 2026/2027, up from Sh41 billion the previous year.
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has completed the allocation of loans to eligible students who applied by September 3, 2026, with award details communicated through the student portal.
In a circular sent to Vice-Chancellors of all public and private universities, dated September 7, 2026 and signed by HELB CEO Geoffrey Monari, the board confirmed that disbursement of students’ upkeep funds is currently underway.
“HELB is pleased to inform you that the allocation of loans for eligible students who applied by 3rd September 2026 has been completed, and the respective awards have been communicated to the students through the student portal. The loan and scholarship application remains open until 21st September 2026. This marks a significant milestone in ensuring that students receive the necessary support to pursue their studies during the current academic year,” the circular read.
The board said loan and scholarship applications remain open until September 21, 2026, allowing more students to apply for financial support for the 2026/2027 academic year.
HELB also announced that the upkeep component is currently being disbursed to eligible students to support their subsistence needs. The tuition component will be remitted alongside the September 2026 monthly tuition payment cycle, with universities urged to prepare for reconciliation once the funds are received.
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The allocations come as the Government has set aside Sh56.7 billion for higher education student financing in the 2026/2027 financial year, a notable increase from the Sh41 billion allocated in the previous financial year.
Under the current funding arrangements, undergraduate university students can receive a maximum of Sh60,000 per year, while students in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) colleges can receive up to Sh40,000 annually, depending on their assessed level of financial need.
The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) placed a total of 293,869 students in higher education institutions this year, further increasing demand for government financial support as students begin their studies.
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HELB further said that Household Contribution information for funded students is now available on the HELB Institutional Portal. Universities have been encouraged to use the information for billing, student advisory services and reconciliation, and to report any discrepancies through their designated HELB Relationship Officers.
The board said it remains committed to working with universities to ensure efficient administration of student financing and uninterrupted learning for eligible beneficiaries.
By Lizzy Aluga
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