HELB Loans to Benefit Students Both in Public and Private Universities
The reforms are intended to remove disparities that have existed in higher education financing and ensure students are supported based on their admission to recognised institutions rather than the ownership of the university
By Wakhungu Andaje
Principal Secretary for Higher Education and Research Beatrice Inyangala has announced that students joining universities will receive government loans regardless of whether they enrol in public or private institutions, signalling a major shift towards a universal higher education funding model.
Speaking in Parliament on Thursday, August 6, 2026, Inyangala said the government was committed to ensuring equitable access to higher education financing as it reforms the country’s student funding framework.
“I confirm that as we move towards Universal Funding for Higher Education, all students will be funded equally. The loans will be awarded to students irrespective of whether they go to a public or private university,” Inyangala said.
Universal Funding Model, the PS said the reforms are intended to remove disparities that have existed in higher education financing and ensure students are supported based on their admission to recognised institutions rather than the ownership of the university She explained that the government is working towards a funding system that guarantees equal treatment for all eligible learners while expanding access to university education.
“Our objective is to create a fair and inclusive funding framework that gives every qualifying student an equal opportunity to pursue higher education,” she said.
The remarks come weeks after President William Ruto announced plans to guarantee full government funding for every student admitted to a university or college, saying admission not a family’s financial status should determine access to higher education.
The President also urged Parliament to fast-track amendments to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Act to pave the way for the proposed reforms, arguing that no student should miss out on university education because of financial constraints.
Helb application underway The announcement also comes as the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) continues receiving first-time applications for loans, scholarships and bursaries for the 2026/27 academic year.
HELB recently opened applications for students joining universities and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, urging eligible applicants to submit their requests early through the Higher Education Financing portal.
Applicants are required to provide admission details, KCSE information, identification documents and guarantor details before applying for government funding.
The government’s latest position reflects growing calls for a more equitable university financing system following the annulment of the previous funding model by the courts Education stakeholders and lawmakers have consistently argued that deserving students should not be disadvantaged because of the institutions they attend.
In January 2025, Kisii Senator Richard Onyonka called for “an equal, fair and just university funding model” that would protect students from discrimination and guarantee equitable access to higher education financing.
If implemented, the proposed reforms would represent one of the biggest changes to Kenya’s higher education financing system, placing students in public and private universities on the same footing when accessing HELB loans while advancing the government’s universal funding agenda.
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