The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has provided much-needed clarification on the new loan disbursement arrangement for college and continuing university students who sought for further funding. The announcement, which was published on August 8, responds to students’ mounting concerns about the future of the scholarship component and changes in how their allotted monies are shown.
According to the board, the scholarship portion of student funding has not been scrapped, contrary to earlier fears circulating among students.
Instead, HELB explained that the scholarship has simply been separated from the upkeep funds and will now be processed and disbursed through a different channel. “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,” read the official statement.
Currently, only the upkeep amount is visible on student portals. This amount represents the total annual allocation, which will be paid in two equal instalments, one for each semester.
HELB has adopted a band-based structure, with students receiving different amounts based on their assigned band. Band 1 students will receive Ksh60,000 annually (Ksh30,000 per semester), Band 2 will get Ksh55,000 (Ksh27,500 per semester), Band 3 will receive Ksh50,000 (Ksh25,000 per semester), Band 4 will get Ksh45,000 (Ksh22,500 per semester), and Band 5 students will receive Ksh40,000 (Ksh20,000 per semester).
The board has urged students whose portals do not yet reflect any allocation to remain calm, stating that the system is undergoing updates in phases.
Students who applied via the HELB App or by dialling *642# have been reassured that their applications are being processed and remain valid. “Let’s remain patient as allocations are being updated in phases. Your turn is coming,” HELB advised.
More updates are expected in the coming days as the rollout continues. HELB has reiterated its commitment to supporting students and ensuring the timely disbursement of funds.
