The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has announced the disbursement of tuition and upkeep loans for university students and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainees.
In a statement on Tuesday, March 18, HELB noted that Ksh1.56 billion for tuition and upkeep was disbursed to students and trainees.
The disbursements made on Friday last week benefitted 31,263 TVET trainees and 33,863 university students, the board said.
Beneficiaries have since been notified of the disbursements through HELB’s official communication channels.
In the current Financial Year 2024/2025, the board has disbursed a total of Ksh32.7 billion in upkeep and tuition loans to 195,522 trainees in TVET Institutions and 390,612 students in universities, following the latest disbursement.
“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,” the statement adds.
“The Government will continue to provide financial support to university students and TVET trainees towards the attainment of their academic and training goals.”
Also Read: Geoffrey Monari Appointed as New HELB CEO
Education sector receives Ksh42.6 billion allocation
Earlier on Tuesday, President William Ruto announced that the government has made available additional resources to facilitate ongoing reforms in the education sector, with Ksh18 billion allocated to the Teachers Service Commission for insurance shortfalls, teacher promotion and personal emolument shortfalls.
The President said that a further Ksh16 billion has been set aside for university education, Ksh8 billion for TVETs and Ksh600 million for the School Feeding Programme.
HELB’s statement comes days after Ruto said that students will receive HELB funds in their accounts by Friday last week during his 5-day working tour of Nairobi County on Wednesday, March 12.
Also Read: UDA MP Issues Demands Over HELB Crisis Affecting University Students
Ruto made the announcement at a time thousands of students and trainees continuing with their studies have been facing financial distress with some unable to pay tuition fees, while others have been locked out of examinations.
The Head of State acknowledged that there have been some challenges with HELB, especially with the board, which has led to delays in the disbursement of funds.
He also mentioned that he had held a meeting with Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to address the situation and ensure that students do not continue to suffer.
“Today, the Head of Public Service is handling the matter, and I have instructed them to ensure that the money is released on students’ accounts by Friday so that everyone can have their resources,” Ruto announced.
“There has been a problem with HELB. Yesterday, I had a meeting with the CS in charge to address the challenges that had been affecting the system.”
Follow our WhatsApp Channel and join our WhatsApp Group for real-time news updates
