- The Universities Fund has warned applicants against falsely declaring their parents dead to qualify for higher scholarships, saying verification systems will catch dishonest claims.
- Acting CEO Edwin Wanyonyi said the funding model bases support on verified family income, siblings and illnesses, with government scholarships covering up to 55 per cent of tuition for the neediest students.
- Over 200,000 KUCCPS-placed students must apply for scholarships and HELB loans by September 6, 2026, with HELB CEO Geoffrey Monari urging all 2025 KCSE candidates to apply regardless of grades.
The Universities Fund has warned students against falsely declaring their parents dead when applying for scholarships, after uncovering a pattern of applicants misrepresenting family circumstances for higher funding.
Acting CEO Edwin Wanyonyi issued the warning during a funding forum at Uriri High School in Migori County, revealing that some applicants were wrongly claiming orphan status since orphans qualify for the highest allocations under the needs-based model.
“You now know that if you are an orphan, you qualify for the highest level of scholarship. Some of you are now trying to ‘kill’ your parents on paper so that you can receive more government support,” Wanyonyi said.
He cautioned that such attempts would fail, noting that the Fund and the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) verify applicant information before funding decisions are made. “We have mechanisms to verify the information you provide. If your parents are alive, we will know. The best thing is to be truthful because the funding model is designed to identify those who genuinely need support,” he said.
The Fund said such fraud is rising, with support levels determined by indicators including income, siblings and illnesses submitted through a joint portal it introduced with HELB in 2023.
His remarks come as over 200,000 KUCCPS-placed students begin applying for scholarships and loans ahead of the September intake. All admitted public university students qualify for some scholarship, with the most vulnerable receiving up to 55 per cent of tuition from government support, the balance met through loans and household contributions.
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Wanyonyi urged newly placed students to move quickly to secure funding, advising them to select both scholarship and loan options for the best chance of adequate support. “When you begin your application, make sure you select both scholarship and loan. That gives you the best opportunity to receive sufficient funding for your studies,” he said.
He urged applicants to provide complete and truthful family information, saying parents should support their children through the process. “Parents should walk this journey with their children. Help them provide all the required documents and ensure they give us truthful information. Details such as poverty levels, the number of siblings and illnesses in the family are important. They help us determine the appropriate level of scholarship,” he said, adding that some genuinely needy students miss out due to low awareness of the programme.
The Fund, KUCCPS and HELB are running nationwide campaigns to address misconceptions about the model. Students with admission letters have until September 6, 2026, to complete applications.
HELB CEO Geoffrey Monari, also at the forum, urged all 2025 KCSE candidates placed in universities or TVET institutions to apply regardless of grades. “You must apply to be considered for funding. If you do not submit an application, you will not be eligible for government scholarships or loans. But please be honest in your application; if you used to get a scholarship, please give us the details and upload a letter for confirmation. Orphans must upload death certificates of their parents,” he said.
Monari said minors without ID cards can apply using their KUCCPS index numbers, while students with disabilities should disclose their status and submit supporting documents. He stressed the process is free, warning against letting others fill forms or using another person’s phone number, email or ID.
By Masaki Enock
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