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 The Higher Education Loans Board [HELB] has today, officially announced a 100% Covid-19 Penalty Waiver Campaign.

Due to the Covid-19 Pandemic, Kenya just like many other countries globally, has experienced a slowing down of the economy over the last 2 years. The unemployment and underemployment as well as a challenging environment for loanees to start and run businesses, has affected HELB loan repayment. This, coupled with inadequate funding from the Exchequer [The National Treasury], has inadvertently created a funding challenge for students seeking HELB Loans.

HELB appreciates the fact that owing to the prevailing economic situation, the loan beneficiaries’ repayment ability may take some time to stabilize.

HELB therefore wishes to announce a 100% Covid-19 Penalty Waiver dubbed #KamilishaMalipoYaHELB from 1^st March 2022 to 30^th April 2022 to loanees as an appreciation of their commitment to repay their loans, even with the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as to encourage, the loanees who haven’t started repaying to do so and repay in lumpsum.

In releasing this announcement, HELB CEO Charles Ringera, reiterated that, “It is important for all beneficiaries to honor their obligation as stipulated in the loan application terms & conditions so as to empower the dreams of another needy student.”

HELB has previously offered 100% Penalty Waiver Campaigns in 2013 where 10,110 beneficiaries paid off their loans valued at Kshs 1.3B and in 2018 where 9,998 beneficiaries paid off their loans valued at Kshs 870M.  

CPA Charles Ringera,

HELB CEO

About Higher Education Loans Board

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is a state body established by an Act of Parliament – CAP 213A in 1995 mandated to provide loans, bursaries and scholarships to Kenyans pursuing higher education in recognized Kenyan Universities and Colleges and to recover the same after completion of studies to facilitate establishment of a revolving fund. The Board is therefore well aligned to Chapter 4, Section 43 (1) (f) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, that every person has the right to education.

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For any media queries or interview requests, contact Ms. Wavi Mungala, Head of Corporate Communication & Customer Experience on [email protected]

The Government has today launched the application portal for the New Higher Education Funding (NFM) (www.hef.co.ke) for both Scholarship and Loans for students placed by Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service [KUCCPS] effective Financial Year [FY] 2023/2024.

The launch follows the Presidential Directive on 03rd May 2023 signaling the intention of Government to overhaul higher education student funding model by aligning placement, Government scholarship and loans to be responsive to the needs of students and their programme costs.

Speaking during the launch at the Kenya School of Government, Cabinet Secretary for Education Hon. Ezekiel Machogu stated that the new funding model will ensure inclusivity and no student will be left behind.

“For the first time, students whose households are at the bottom of the pyramid shall enjoy equal opportunities in accessing university and TVET education. Out of the 2022 KCSE graduates, over 45,000 university students and 42,000 TVET students categorized as vulnerable and extremely needy, will be fully funded under the Government Scholarships and Loans”, said Hon. Machogu.

Consequently, the Government through the Higher Education Loans Board [HELB], Universities Fund, State Department for TVET, and KUCCPS has today launched the Higher Education Financing Portal, to receive applications for both Scholarships and Loans.

Furthermore, “Students who require funding MUST make formal application through Higher Education Financing portal (www.hef.co.ke) upon placement by KUCCPS and getting admission letters to Universities or Colleges. The requirements and application process has been clearly mapped out in the portal.” added Hon. Machogu.

However, continuing students will not be affected by this funding model and will continue to receive their funding based on the Government’s existing model. The Cabinet Secretary also directed the Vice Chancellors, Principals and other relevant Government agencies to ensure smooth and successful implementation of this NFM model.

About the New Education Funding Model

The new funding model allocation is based on a reliable Means Testing Instrument [MTI], that is scientific and

robust in determining the student’s level of financial needs, to ensure they are supported adequately.

About Higher Education Loans Board

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is a state body established by an Act of Parliament – CAP 213A in 1995 mandated to provide loans, bursaries and scholarships to Kenyans pursuing higher education in recognized Kenyan Universities and Colleges and to recover the same after completion of studies to facilitate establishment of a revolving fund. The Board is therefore well aligned to Chapter 4, Section 43 (1) (f) of the Constitution of Kenya 2010, that every person has the right to education.

Higher Education Funding HEF Portal,

HEF Website

HEF Account Login

HEF User Registration.

The government, via the Higher  Education Loans Board (HELB), has allocated Ksh.1.56 billion to students and trainees for their tuition and living expenses.

Education Cabinet Secretary Migos Ogamba announced that the funds were released on Friday, providing crucial support for university and college students currently enrolled in the program.

“A total of 31,263 TVET trainees and 33,863 university students will benefit from these loan disbursements,” the CS noted.

“This funding will ensure that the needs of students and trainees are addressed, allowing them to pursue their academic, training, and research activities without obstacles.”

Beneficiary students and trainees have been informed of the disbursements through HELB’s official communication channels and are advised to check their portals.

In the current Financial Year 2024/2025, HELB has disbursed a total of Ksh.32.7 billion for living and tuition loans, which are expected to assist 195,522 trainees in TVET institutions and 390,612 university students.

The CS expressed confidence that the government would continue to support university students and TVET trainees in achieving their academic and training objectives, despite the ongoing debate surrounding the new University Funding Model.

This disbursement follows pressure from some MPs and stakeholders regarding the delay in HELB fund distribution, which had left many students in financial distress.

Last month, Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina raised concerns about the delay, urging the Departmental Committee on Education to clarify the funding crisis.

The delay was a result of a High Court ruling on December 20, 2024, which deemed the new higher education funding model unconstitutional, preventing its implementation until the government complies with constitutional and legal standards.

In response, the Ministry of Education committed to introducing a revised funding model for tertiary education, expected to be launched later this year. Meanwhile, the government has pledged to revert to the previous HELB funding system.

The financial strain has led to unrest at several universities, with students protesting and, in some cases, lecturers boycotting exams in solidarity with affected students.