The government has announced that the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) application portal will remain open for the KCSE 2023 cohort. This decision underscores the administration’s commitment to ensuring that no eligible student is left behind in their quest for higher education.
Julius Ogamba, the Cabinet Secretary for the Ministry of Education, emphasized the importance of timely applications in a recent statement. Ogamba urged all eligible students to apply as soon as possible to facilitate prompt processing. “In line with the Government’s commitment to leaving no one behind, the application portal will remain open. The ministry assures that all applications will be processed swiftly on a rolling basis. We urge the eligible students who wish to receive funding and have not yet applied to do so without delay to ensure prompt processing of their applications,” Ogamba said.
The government’s assurance comes as part of a broader initiative to support higher education. The Ministry of Education plans to allocate Sh25.3 billion in loans and scholarships for the 2024–2025 academic year. This substantial investment reflects the government’s dedication to making higher education more accessible and affordable for students across the country.
The process for distributing these funds has already commenced. Universities have started issuing new letters to the 125,893 students who applied for loans and scholarships under the Student-Centered Model. Ogamba confirmed that all first-year students should receive their letters by Monday, August 19th, 2024. This initiative is part of a larger effort to streamline the application process and ensure that students have a clear understanding of their financial support.
President William Ruto has also played a crucial role in this process. On August 14, he directed all institutions to provide first-year students with updated fee schedules. These schedules will include details on the annual household payments required for degree programs, providing students and their families with a comprehensive overview of their financial commitments.
The Ministry of Education has reassured students that the distribution of funds will be fair and equitable. They have promised that the allocation will be based on the applicants’ actual needs, ensuring that support is provided where it is most required. “Students who may have questions and appeals on the fees to be paid should direct them to our dedicated team through the Higher Educational Portal, www.hef.co.ke,” the ministry added.
This proactive approach by the government highlights its commitment to supporting students through every stage of their higher education journey. By keeping the HELB application portal open and ensuring timely distribution of funds, the government aims to alleviate financial barriers that could hinder students from pursuing their academic goals.
The initiative also reflects a broader trend of increasing support for education in Kenya. With significant investments in both loans and scholarships, the government is working to create a more inclusive educational environment where students from all backgrounds have the opportunity to succeed.
As students prepare for the new academic year, the assurance of continued support and the availability of funding are likely to bring a sense of relief and optimism. By addressing financial challenges head-on, the government is helping to pave the way for a brighter future for Kenya’s youth.
For further assistance and inquiries, students are encouraged to visit the Higher Education Portal or contact the ministry’s dedicated team. This commitment to accessible and equitable education funding is a positive step towards ensuring that all deserving students have the opportunity to achieve their academic aspirations.
