The Ministry of Education has announced a major boost for university students after confirming the release of Kshs. 9.46 billion HELB disbursement in August 2025. In a press statement issued on Tuesday, August 19, 2025, Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba revealed that the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) had successfully disbursed funds to support thousands of learners across the country.
According to the ministry, the HELB loan disbursement will benefit 309,178 university students in Kenya, easing financial pressure on parents and guardians at the start of the academic term. Out of the total amount, Kshs. 5.76 billion has been allocated for tuition fees, while Kshs. 3.7 billion will go directly to student upkeep.
This means that universities will receive payments to secure student admissions, while beneficiaries will have access to crucial financial support for accommodation, meals, transport, and other basic needs. The ministry emphasized that the government remains committed to ensuring that higher education in Kenya is both affordable and accessible.
In his statement, CS Ogamba assured students and parents that no learner would be left behind due to financial hardships. “The Government will continue to provide the requisite funding to ensure that higher education remains accessible and affordable and that no student is left behind on account of financial limitations,” he noted.
Students are now advised to log in to the HELB portal to confirm receipt of the funds and access detailed information on their loan allocations. The ministry highlighted that this step will improve transparency and accountability in the management of HELB student loans.
The release of these funds comes at a critical time, especially given the rising cost of living in Kenya. For many students, HELB upkeep funds are their lifeline, helping them cover daily survival costs in addition to tuition. The disbursement is expected to reduce cases of financial strain that often force students to defer studies or drop out altogether.
Education analysts have welcomed the move, pointing out that the injection of Kshs. 9.46 billion into the higher education sector is not only a relief for learners but also for university administrators who have, in the past, expressed concern about delayed HELB loan payments.
This latest announcement confirms the government’s determination to empower the youth through education financing. With over 300,000 students benefiting directly, the HELB August 2025 disbursement is set to strengthen the country’s workforce development agenda and promote social mobility for disadvantaged families.
The Ministry of Education has further assured that it will continue working with stakeholders to enhance the higher education funding model, ensuring sustainability and expanding opportunities for future learners.
