The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has issued crucial clarifications addressing the most pressing concerns raised by students regarding loan allocations, upkeep, and fees. The new updates, which were shared in an official communication, have introduced sweeping changes to the way students receive funding.
For years, HELB categorized student funding into different bands, where allocations were distributed under fixed categories. However, in the latest guidelines, HELB has confirmed that loan allocations are no longer categorized into bands. Instead, each student’s allocation will now depend on an individual assessment of their financial need and the cost of their programme. This major change means that allocations will be more personalized, taking into account a student’s background and the actual expenses of their studies.
One of the top questions raised by first-year students is the amount of school fees they are required to pay. HELB clarified that fee structures will not be standardized at the loan board level. Instead, students will need to check directly with their institutions to know the amounts payable. Each university or college will provide this information through their official websites.
On the question of upkeep, many first-time applicants wanted to know how much they will receive for personal expenses. HELB responded that there will be no fixed amount for upkeep allocations. Instead, each student will receive an amount unique to their financial need assessment outcome. This means that two students in the same class may receive different upkeep allocations depending on their family backgrounds and financial evaluations.
Students eager to know how to access their upkeep allocations were advised to log into the HELB student portal at www.hef.co.ke. The portal will provide individualized details on the amounts allocated for upkeep as well as overall loan information.
One of the most contentious issues addressed in the communication is the reduction in loan allocations compared to previous years. Many continuing students have noticed that their current allocations are lower than before. HELB explained that this reduction is due to the government’s decision to reduce the overall cost of university programmes. With lower programme costs, students are now expected to pay less in fees, and consequently, the loan amounts have been adjusted downward.
This move by HELB is part of broader government reforms in higher education financing. While some students may welcome the personalized funding model, others fear that lower allocations may still leave financial gaps, especially for those from less privileged backgrounds.
As the academic year progresses, students are encouraged to remain vigilant, frequently check their HELB portals, and communicate with their institutions for up-to-date information on their finances.
With these sweeping changes, one thing is clear: HELB is moving towards a needs-based, cost-sensitive funding model—a shift that will significantly impact how Kenyan students finance their higher education in 2025 and beyond.
