The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has granted students more time to apply for loans, following an order by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba. The move is expected to ease financial pressure on learners as universities and TVET institutions reopen.
On Tuesday, September 2, HELB announced that first-time applicants now have until September 14, while continuing students have until September 7 to complete their applications. This extension replaces the earlier deadline of August 31 for returning applicants.
According to HELB, applications can be submitted through multiple channels, including the HELB Mobile App, the M-PESA Mini App, or via *642#. The extension is aimed at ensuring inclusivity for both new and continuing students seeking financial assistance.
The decision comes shortly after the government disbursed Ksh23.16 billion to support students across higher learning institutions. Of this, Ksh4.1 billion was distributed as scholarships through the Universities Fund, while HELB disbursed Ksh19.06 billion—with Ksh7.6 billion directed to tuition fees and Ksh11.46 billion to upkeep.
Education CS Julius Ogamba emphasized that the extension was necessary to ensure that no student is left behind. “The Universities Fund and HELB have been directed to extend the timeline for first-year applicants until 14th September 2025,” he said.
So far, 1.1 million loan and scholarship applications have been submitted, with 741,931 coming from undergraduate students and 375,308 from TVET learners. The directive is expected to directly impact 802,159 students, easing their access to tuition and upkeep support.
This development is particularly significant for day scholars and students from marginalized backgrounds who heavily rely on HELB financing. The extension reflects the government’s continued effort to bridge financial gaps in higher education.
