Higher Education Loans Board offices Kenya University Students Organisation (KUSO) has expressed gratitude to President William Ruto after the ministry of Education released Sh3.2 billion Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans.
The organisation, which brings together students from universities across the country, saluted Ruto for his “unwavering support and commitment to the welfare of university students across the nation.”
In a statement to newsrooms, the students said the disbursement provided much-needed financial relief to countless students pursuing their academic dreams.
“This vital intervention ensures that many of us can continue our education without unnecessary financial burdens,” they said.
“By facilitating access to higher education funding, this gesture further empowers students to focus on their studies, contribute to society, and ultimately build a prosperous future for Kenya,” they added.
KUSO brings together students from Kenyatta University, University of Nairobi, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Technical University of Kenya, Zetech, Multi Media University, Kenya Methodist University, KCA and Mt Kenya University.
On February 4, 2025, the government announced it had disbursed a total of Sh3.32 billion for upkeep for first and second-year students during the 2024/2025 Academic Year.
Education CS Julius Ogamba noted that the disbursements were made through the Higher Education Loans Board and were made by January 31, 2025.
“The upkeep loans, which are a critical component for
fostering student welfare, range from Sh40,000 to Sh60,000 per student,” the CS
said in a statement.
Ogamba said the latest disbursements were part of the funds that had already been appropriated in July 2024, in the context of the current Financial Year's budgetary and appropriation framework.
By mid-January, thousands of students enrolled in universities and TVET institutions under the New Funding Model of the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) were yet to receive their upkeep and tuition loans.
Ruto unveiled the New Higher Education Funding Model on May 3, 2023, aiming to assist every Kenyan student based on their level of need.
Most students under this model are currently in their first year and are still completing their first semester.
The government reverted to the old funding model to send the money to the students' accounts, pending the outcome of a court case.