The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) on Monday clarified how the organisation will disburse funds to over 2,000 students who applied for funding but lack National Identity cards.
In a statement, Chief Executive Charles Ringera stated that the money will be withheld until a valid ID is acquired by the student. During the loan application process, HELB requires both the student's and parents' ID numbers.
Ringera highlighted that the board's hands are tied since it cannot legally advance loans to persons below 18 years as required by law.
"An ID is important for identifying the identity of the student especially when they are repaying the loan," he added.
The CEO also urged students to apply for the funds, reassuring them that ample resources are available to address their needs.
Ringera further expressed confidence in the new funding model, emphasising that it has been implemented at the right time to ensure every student receives the necessary resources to advance their education.
The CEO further advised students that, should they decide to change their course or transfer to a different institution, the allocated funds will still be available to them, a departure from the previous framework.
"It is a student-centered model and the money shall follow them," the official stated.
The CEO projected that by 2028, the board will have spent Ksh210 billion (Ksh145 billion for loans and Ksh75 billion for scholarships) to finance students under the new model.
At least 285,698 students are expected to join institutions of higher learning in September. The Chief Executive stressed that all students will be catered to, effectively dismissing speculation on some students missing out.
The new funding model categorises students into four; the vulnerable, the extremely needy, the needy, and the less needy.
Ringera noted that the government will allocate money to all these groups of students and all of them will be treated fairly.
