President William Ruto has announced that the government will release Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds by the end of the week, bringing relief to thousands of students who have been eagerly awaiting financial support.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency Laboratory at Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute in Nairobi’s Dagoretti area, Ruto acknowledged the financial struggles students have faced due to the delayed disbursement of HELB funds. He assured that the government is taking necessary measures to resolve the existing challenges and ensure that all students receive their allocated loans without further delays.
The announcement comes in the wake of mounting frustration among university students, some of whom have taken to the streets in protest over the delayed disbursements. In February, students from the University of Nairobi and Egerton University stormed HELB headquarters at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi, demanding immediate action to address the financial delays that have affected their studies and welfare.
HELB, a state agency under the Ministry of Education, was established in 1995 with the primary mandate of providing loans, bursaries, and scholarships to Kenyan students pursuing higher education. The agency employs a funding model that combines loans, scholarships, and household contributions based on a Means Testing Instrument (MTI) to assess applicants’ financial needs.
The board plays a critical role in promoting access to higher education by disbursing funds that cover tuition fees and living expenses for students. As of January 31st, the government had disbursed a total of Sh3.32 billion for first- and second-year students under the 2024/2025 academic year. These funds, disbursed through HELB, cover students’ upkeep, with loan amounts ranging between Sh40,000 and Sh60,000 per student.
Ruto’s assurance comes as a significant relief to students, many of whom rely on HELB funding to sustain their education. The government’s commitment to timely disbursement is expected to ease financial constraints and allow students to focus on their academic pursuits without further disruptions.