HELB disburses Sh1.6b student loans amid delays

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba during the launch of Scaling Digital Skills at Machakos Teachers Training College on October 24, 2024. [John Muia, Standard].

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba says the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has so far disbursed Sh32.7 billion since the start of the 2024/2025 financial year.

This follows the latest round of disbursements made last Friday, March 14, when Sh1.56 billion was released to students for tuition fees and upkeep.

"A total of 31,263 TVET trainees and 33,863 university students benefited from these loan disbursements," said CS Ogamba in a statement.

The disbursement comes amid capitation delays affecting students across university campuses and TVET institutions.

A spot check by The Standard yesterday revealed that while some students had received the money in their bank accounts, others - especially those in the lower years of study - were yet to receive theirs.

However, Ogamba maintains that the government is on track with the disbursements.

"The provision of this funding will ensure that student and trainee needs are met, enabling them to continue with their academic, training and research programmes without hindrance," said CS Ogamba.