Kenya's higher education financing system is undergoing significant changes, with Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba at the centre of government efforts to improve access to university and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) financing. The latest development is particularly important for students who had not applied for government financial assistance before the initial deadline.

On September 3, 2026, the Ministry of Education announced an extension of the application period for tertiary education funding to September 21, 2026. The extension is intended to give first-time university students and TVET trainees who had missed the earlier deadline another opportunity to apply for financial support. The initial application window had closed on August 31, 2026. 

The announcement comes at a critical time as thousands of young Kenyans prepare to join universities and TVET institutions for the 2026/2027 academic year. The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), working together with the Universities Fund and the Ministry of Education, remains a major component of the government's student-financing system.

Who is Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba?

Julius Migos Ogamba is Kenya's Cabinet Secretary responsible for the Education docket. His ministry oversees several institutions and programmes dealing with basic education, higher education, technical training, student financing and other areas of the education sector.

In relation to HELB, the Cabinet Secretary provides political and policy leadership within the Ministry of Education. HELB itself is a state agency under the Ministry of Education and was established in July 1995 through an Act of Parliament. Its primary role is to provide financing to students pursuing tertiary education. 

HELB has historically provided loans to Kenyan students who require financial assistance to pursue higher education. Over time, its mandate has expanded to include different forms of financing, including loans, scholarships and bursaries under various government programmes.

The current debate is much broader than simply issuing student loans. It involves how Kenya should finance university and TVET education, how needy students should be identified, how government resources should be distributed and how graduates should repay loans after completing their studies.

Latest HELB application extension

One of the most significant announcements made by the Education Ministry today is the extension of the 2026/2027 tertiary education funding application window.

According to the Ministry, 789,422 applications had been received by August 31, 2026. Despite this large number, the government recognised that some eligible first-time applicants had not submitted their applications before the deadline. The Ministry therefore directed HELB and the Universities Fund to extend the application period to September 21. 

This is important because failure to apply for financing can create serious financial difficulties for students from households that cannot afford tuition, accommodation, food, transport and other university-related expenses.

The extension therefore gives students another opportunity to seek assistance rather than being locked out simply because they missed the original deadline.

The Ministry has urged eligible first-time applicants to take advantage of the additional period and submit their applications promptly. Applications are currently being considered under the existing Student-Centred Funding Model, pending legislative changes that are being considered by Parliament. 

HELB and the Student-Centred Funding Model

Kenya's student-centred financing system was introduced as part of efforts to make government support more targeted. Instead of treating all students in exactly the same way, the model considers the financial circumstances and vulnerability of individual learners.

Under the current arrangement, eligible students can potentially receive different combinations of scholarships, loans and other forms of financial support.

HELB is responsible for the loan component, while the Universities Fund plays a role in university scholarships and related financing arrangements. The system is intended to ensure that students from poorer and more vulnerable households receive greater support.

However, the model has also generated debate among students, parents, universities and politicians. Questions have been raised about the transparency of the assessment process, the affordability of loans and whether students from low-income families are receiving adequate assistance.

These debates have contributed to the government's current consideration of changes to the higher education funding framework.

Proposed changes to university financing

The government is working toward a new framework for tertiary education financing through the Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill, 2026.

The proposed legislation is expected to introduce significant changes to the way students are placed and financed in universities and TVET institutions. The government has argued that a new framework is necessary because the cost of higher education has continued to rise while the number of students requiring government support has increased.

Education CS Julius Ogamba has been involved in communicating the government's position on these reforms.

Recent reports indicate that the proposed framework could significantly change the role played by scholarships and grants in university financing. President William Ruto has also spoken about a universal loan-based approach intended to ensure that qualified students can obtain funding for higher education. 

However, the proposed system is still subject to legislative processes. This means students should distinguish between policies that are already operational and proposals that are still being considered.

For the moment, first-time applicants are being processed under the existing Student-Centred Funding Model. 

Why HELB is important to Kenyan students

HELB has played an important role in expanding access to higher education in Kenya.

University education can be expensive, especially for students who have to pay tuition-related costs while also meeting accommodation, food, transport, books and other personal expenses. For students from low-income families, these costs can make higher education almost impossible without financial assistance.

HELB loans have therefore enabled many students to enrol and remain in universities and colleges.

The Board's official mandate is centred on equitable tertiary education financing. HELB describes its vision as providing sustainable and transformative student-centred financing for tertiary education. 

The Board provides different products, including undergraduate loans, TVET loans and other specialised financing programmes. Its official website currently lists 2026/2027 first-time applications for undergraduate and TVET loans, scholarships and bursaries, as well as subsequent loan applications for continuing students. 

HELB loans and repayment

An important aspect of HELB financing is that loans are generally expected to be repaid after beneficiaries complete their studies and enter employment or otherwise become liable for repayment under the applicable terms.

This distinguishes a loan from a scholarship or bursary.

The government has repeatedly emphasised the importance of loan recovery because money repaid by graduates can be recycled to finance future students. In this sense, HELB operates not only as a student-support institution but also as part of a revolving financing system.

HELB's ability to recover loans is therefore important for the sustainability of the programme.

At the same time, graduate unemployment and low incomes can make repayment difficult. This has led to continuing discussions about how repayment should be structured so that graduates can meet their obligations without experiencing excessive financial pressure.

Current interest rate issue

Another important HELB issue in 2026 is the interest rate charged on loans.

In an official statement dated August 7, 2026, HELB clarified that its loan interest rate remains at 4%, responding to information it said was inaccurate or misleading. 

The clarification is significant because interest rates affect the amount graduates ultimately repay.

Students and parents are therefore advised to rely on official HELB communication when determining the applicable terms rather than relying solely on social-media posts or unofficial claims.

Delays in HELB disbursement

The question of disbursement has also been a major concern among students entering the 2026/2027 academic year.

Reports published on September 1 indicated that some students were frustrated by delays in receiving their HELB funds as the new semester approached. Higher Education Principal Secretary Beatrice Inyangala said the government was finalising the processing of funds and that disbursements would be released. 

The situation has highlighted the importance of timely student financing.

For many students, HELB money is not simply used for tuition. It can also help with accommodation, food, transport, learning materials and other necessities. Consequently, delays can affect a student's ability to settle into university life.

The government has encouraged universities to admit first-year students while financing processes continue, particularly for students facing financial vulnerability. 

Application process for students

Students seeking higher education financing are encouraged to use the official Higher Education Financing and HELB platforms.

HELB's official information indicates that students can register through the Higher Education Financing portal and create an account using identification details, an email address and a valid telephone number. 

The government has also integrated systems involving KUCCPS, HELB and the Universities Fund. This integration is intended to make the process easier because a student's placement information can be retrieved through the financing system rather than requiring students to repeatedly carry documents between institutions. 

The official Higher Education Financing portal currently states that 2026/2027 applications for first-time undergraduate and TVET applicants are open. 

Students should be careful when applying and should use official government platforms rather than giving personal information to individuals claiming they can guarantee HELB funding.

What the September 21 extension means

The September 21 extension is particularly important for students who missed the August 31 deadline.

It does not mean that every applicant will automatically receive the maximum amount of funding. Applications still have to be assessed according to the applicable funding criteria.

The extension simply provides eligible first-time applicants with additional time to submit their applications.

The Ministry has specifically said that applications received during this extended period will be considered under the current Student-Centred Funding Model while Parliament considers the proposed new legislation. 

Students should therefore apply as soon as possible rather than waiting until the final day.

Challenges facing HELB and higher education

The HELB debate cannot be separated from the wider financial difficulties facing Kenya's universities.

In July 2026, Education CS Ogamba told Parliament that public universities were facing a funding deficit of approximately KSh28 billion, illustrating the financial pressure affecting higher education institutions. Kenya

Universities have experienced increasing costs as enrolment grows, while government resources remain under pressure.

This creates a difficult balancing act for the government. It must support students, fund universities, maintain affordable education and ensure that the financing system remains financially sustainable.

The reforms being discussed are therefore intended to address not only student loans but also the broader financial structure of higher education.

What students should do now

Students who are eligible for 2026/2027 higher education funding should take several steps.

First, they should confirm their placement and admission details.

Second, they should use the official HELB/Higher Education Financing platforms to submit their applications.

Third, applicants should provide accurate information about their family and financial circumstances because funding decisions depend on the information supplied.

Fourth, students should monitor their application status through official channels.

Finally, students should avoid relying on unverified social-media claims concerning HELB deadlines, interest rates or funding amounts.

The official HELB website currently provides information on loan applications, repayment, compliance certificates, student portals and other services.