The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has released an update for continuing university and college students who applied for subsequent loans.
In a statement on August 8, HELB clarified changes to how loan allocations are structured for these students.
The board stated that the scholarship component has not been removed but will now be processed separately from the upkeep funds.
"HELB has changed the structure of allocations, the scholarship has not been removed, it has just been separated from your upkeep and will be processed differently," HELB stated.
It noted that currently, only the upkeep amount is reflected in students’ accounts.
This upkeep amount, which is allocated based on a new band structure, represents the total for the academic year and will be paid out in two equal instalments, one for each semester.
Students in Band 1 will receive a total of Ksh60,000 for the year, disbursed as Ksh30,000 per semester. Band 2 students will get Ksh55,000 in total, with Ksh27,500 per semester. For Band 3, the total amount is Ksh50,000, disbursed as Ksh25,000 per semester.
Students in Band 4 are allocated a total of Ksh45,000, which translates to Ksh22,500 per semester, and finally, Band 5 students will receive a total of Ksh40,000, disbursed as Ksh20,000 per semester.
HELB also assured students that the scholarship portion will be processed and disbursed separately, so there's no need to worry about missing funds.
Students are advised that if their portal is still not showing any amount, they should stay calm, as the system is still being updated.
“If a student’s portal is still not showing any amount, HELB advises them to stay calm as the system is still being updated. Those who applied using the HELB App or by dialling *642# are still safe and will receive their allocations,” the board added.
“Let’s remain patient as allocations are being updated in phases. Your turn is coming,” the statement added.
HELB has promised to provide more updates in the coming days and has urged students to be patient.
