The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has released a fresh batch of student loan disbursements, urging university and college students to confirm whether their batch numbers are among seven successfully processed groups as concerns over delayed higher education funding persist.
In an update published on Monday, October 12, 2026, HELB said the seven batches had been processed and disbursed by Friday, October 9, offering relief to students awaiting financial support for tuition, accommodation, food and other education-related expenses.
The batches listed are **HELB-007062, HELB-007166, HELB-007170, HELB-007171, HELB-007163, HELB-007150 and HELB-007148.**
Students have been advised to verify their individual loan and disbursement status through the official Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal and rely on HELB's verified communication channels for accurate information.
The latest announcement comes as learners prepare for the 2026/2027 academic year, with thousands depending on government-backed loans and scholarships to meet the cost of university and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) education.
Funding shortfall raises concern
The new disbursements come against the backdrop of concerns over funding delays affecting students in higher learning institutions.
Reports in August indicated that approximately 140,000 students had yet to receive funding amid a financial shortfall estimated at Sh5.7 billion, raising questions about the timely release of financial support to eligible learners.
The delays have left students worried about meeting essential expenses as academic activities resume, particularly those from low-income households who depend heavily on government assistance.
HELB had previously responded to complaints from students who said they had neither received funding allocations nor been assigned batch numbers despite the approaching semester.
The board advised affected applicants to follow up through its official channels to establish the status of their applications.
Students warned against loan scams
As demand for student financing grows, HELB has also cautioned students and parents against fraudsters claiming to facilitate loan applications in exchange for money.
In a public advisory issued in July, the board warned applicants about fake WhatsApp groups promising assistance with first-time HELB loan applications for a fee.
Students have been urged to submit applications, track allocations and confirm disbursements through the official HELB website, www.helb.co.ke, and its verified social media accounts.
The board's latest update provides confirmation of the seven processed batches but does not, by itself, establish that all outstanding student funding requirements have been met.
Students whose batch numbers are missing from the list should check their individual application status through the official HEF portal rather than assume their applications have been rejected or that payment is imminent.
With higher education costs continuing to place pressure on households, timely allocation and disbursement remain critical to ensuring that eligible students can begin or continue their studies without avoidable financial disruption.
HELB offices in Nairobi. The board has announced the disbursement of seven student loan batches, urging university and college students to verify their loan status through official channels as concerns over delayed higher education funding persist.
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