HELB Extends Application Period By Two Weeks Following Ogamba’s Directive
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has extended the loan application window for both new and continuing students.
In a statement issued on Tuesday, September 2, HELB announced that first-time applicants now have until September 14 to apply while continuing students have until September 7, a week later than the initial August 31 deadline.
“Applications for university and TVET loans are open for both first-time and continuing applicants,” HELB said, adding that the extension applies to second, third or even fourth time applicants depending on the course duration.
Students can apply for the funding through multiple platforms including HELB Mobile App, M-PESA Mini App or by dialing *642#.
The extension comes after Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogwang directed HELB to push the deadline for first years to September 14. Ogwang said the move was to ensure no student is left behind in accessing financial support.
“As of today we have disbursed Ksh23.16 billion to 802,159 students in universities and TVET institutions across the country,” Ogwang announced, adding that the decision to extend the application period was tied to this big allocation.
According to HELB’s report by September 1, the board had received 1,117,239 loan and scholarship applications. Out of these 741,931 were undergraduates while 375,308 were TVET learners.
The Ksh23.16 billion disbursed included Ksh4.1 billion in scholarships for public university students through the Universities Fund and Ksh19.06 billion from HELB, covering tuition (Ksh7.6 billion) and upkeep (Ksh11.46 billion).
The extension will cushion thousands of students who were at risk of missing the deadline, giving them more time to get financial aid for their education journey.
Also Read: Mandera Locals Take to Streets Over Reported Jubaland Forces in Kenya
HELB Extends Application Period By Two Weeks Following Ogamba’s Directive