Last Updated on August 6, 2025 by Turkana County News Online
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has officially announced the opening of loan applications for the 2025 academic year, targeting both first-time and continuing students enrolled in undergraduate and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions.
In a public statement shared on its official channels on Wednesday, August 6, 2025, HELB urged eligible students to apply early and avoid last-minute submissions. The financial aid is aimed at supporting learners who may not have the means to fund.
“Applications for first-time and continuing UG & TVET loans are open!” the board announced in the alert titled HELB Alert!.
As of August 6, 2025, a total of 554,620 students had already submitted their applications, underscoring the high demand for financial assistance among Kenyan youth.
“Don’t miss out—apply now & secure your funding!” HELB emphasised in the statement.
The loan program is one of the government’s key initiatives to promote equitable access to higher education. It supports thousands of students each year by covering tuition, accommodation, and other essential expenses.
The announcement included a poster detailing the application process and eligibility criteria. Applicants are advised to visit the official HELB website or use the HELB app to submit their applications before the deadline.
Govt on HELB funding
The Ministry of Education has confirmed that the disbursement of Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) loans for first-year university students will begin on August 15, 2025.
In a press statement issued on July 31, 2025, Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba said that to ensure a smooth transition into academic life and to help students settle without disruption, the funds will be released to coincide with the reopening of universities and technical colleges.
“The disbursement of Helb loans for first-year university students will begin on August 15, 2025, in line with the reopening of universities,” the statement read.
“These funds will be released in phases to ensure a smooth transition into University/TVET College and to help students settle into their academic journey without interruption.”
Ogamba said the Universities Fund has already begun disbursing first-quarter scholarship funds for the 2025-26 financial year to all public universities.
As of July 31, 2025, a total of 129,403 university students and 60,976 TVET trainees had submitted applications for scholarships and loans under the Student-Centred Funding Model (SCFM).
The portal remains open for the 2024 KCSE cohort placed by KUCCPS until August 31, 2025.
“WE encourage all eligible students who have not applied to do before the deadline date,” Ogamba said.
