The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) on Sunday, July 23, indicated that students joining university in September 2023, have one week to apply for funding.
An official from HELB indicated to Kenyans.co.ke that the window was only open to students who had made an earlier application but it was cancelled by the board on Thursday, July 6.
This means that students who had not made an earlier application will not be able to access government funding in the 2023/2024 academic year.
“The first years when applying for the loan will select the subsequent application portal,” he explained noting those who had not made initial application will have to wait.
This was the first time first-years were applying using the subsequent option, a reserve that had been initially set for continuing students.
“Since we had already verified their details, once we get funding they do not have to go through the whole process,” HELB indicated why first-time applicants were using the subsequent option.
“Students who have secured university placement should make their application as soon as possible,” the official stated noting that the portal would be closed on Monday, July 31.
HELB had initially cancelled allocation for the first years noting financial constraints. At the time, continuing students were allocated funds and they have been told to await for disbursement.
Students seeking to join North Coast Medical Training College can also apply for funding by Monday, July 31. This also applies to students joining Tenwek Hospital College and Kenya School for Integrated Medicine (KSIM).
On Saturday, July 22, President William Ruto promised needy students joining university in September that they would receive 100 per cent funding from the government.
Speaking in Vihiga, he promised, “There have been funding challenges for students due to crippling university debts. I have sat down with Vice Chancellors and we have agreed on a new formula that will help students access scholarships.”
The President added that students from able families would receive a scholarship totalling between 20-30 per cent of their tuition fee.
