New HELB Funding Model Explained: How Much Will You Get?

Under William Ruto's government, Kenyans have witnessed reforms across key sectors such as agriculture, health, and education. In 2023, a new higher education funding model was unveiled, replacing the long-standing HELB funding model. However, some stakeholders, i.e., parents and students, don't know how it works and want more information before fully embracing it.

President William Ruto unveiled the new higher education funding model on May 3, 2023. It aims to provide financial support to students enrolled in universities and TVET institutions according to their needs.

How does the new funding model work?

How does HEF work? The new funding model will be put to the test by the 2023 KCSE cohort as they join universities and TVET institutions. It focuses on assessing students' financial needs and distinguishes between placement and funding.

Under this model, higher learning institutions won't receive block funding in the form of capitation. Instead, student funding will be through scholarships, loans, and household contributions.

New higher education funding model

The new higher education funding model is grouped into five bands depending on the family's income level. Here is the breakdown of the amount each band will receive as a scholarship or loan:

Band one

This is for the most financially disadvantaged group: families with a monthly income of less than Ksh. 5,995.

The government will provide a 70% scholarship and a 25% loan to cover the tuition fees, amounting to 95% financial support. The family will pay the remaining 5% of the fees, and the student will receive an upkeep loan of Ksh. 60,000 from HELB.

Band two

This is for families with monthly incomes ranging from Ksh. 5,995 to Ksh. 23,670.

The government will provide a scholarship covering 60% of the fees and a loan covering 30%. The family will be responsible for paying 10% of the fees. Additionally, the student will receive a maintenance loan of Ksh. 55,000.

Band three

This is for families with a monthly income between Ksh. 23,670 and Ksh. 70,000. The government will provide a 50% scholarship and a 30% loan towards fees. The family will contribute 20% of the fees. Furthermore, students will receive a maintenance loan of Ksh. 50,000.

Band four

This is for families with a monthly income ranging from Ksh. 70,000 to Ksh. 120,000. The government will provide a 40% scholarship and a 30% loan towards fees. In this category, the family pays 30% of the fee.

Band five

This is for families with a monthly income exceeding Ksh. 120,000. The government will offer a scholarship that covers 30% of the fees, with an additional 30% covered by a loan. The family will pay the remaining 40% of the fees.

Who is eligible for the new funding model?

The model is available to university students from the KCSE 2022 to 2023 cohort and TVET trainees under the Ministry of Education who were admitted from September 2023.

What are the requirements for undergraduate and TVET applications?

When applying for undergraduate and TVET programs, applicants must meet several requirements. These include:

• KCPE and KCSE index numbers, along with the examination years
• Copies of the national ID or Maisha Card (both sides in PDF format)
• Birth certificate for applicants under 18 years old
• A valid phone number and email address
• A passport-sized photograph (in PNG, JPG, or JPEG format)
• A valid M-Pesa number or bank account details registered in the applicant's name and ID number
• National ID of parents and their valid registered telephone numbers
• Death certificate of a deceased parent, if applicable (in PDF)
• ID numbers and contact information for two guarantors (these can be the parents)
• A copy of the sponsorship letter, if sponsored in secondary school (in PDF)

Does the new university funding model affect continuing students?

No, all continuing students will not be affected by this funding model and will continue receiving funding based on the government's existing model.

How much will HELB give to university students?

The new higher education funding model will provide scholarships covering between 30% and 70% of fees, depending on the student's financial need. Any remaining balance will be covered through household contributions and loans. Additionally, students will receive upkeep loans ranging from Ksh. 50,000 to Ksh. 60,000.

What is the maximum loan amount on HELB?

Under the previous funding model, the maximum loan amount from HELB was Ksh. 50,000, while the highest bursary amount was Ksh. 8,000.

Final word

The new HELB funding model is available only to candidates who did their KCSE examinations from 2022 onwards. This model is designed to support every Kenyan student based on their financial needs.

DISCLAIMER: This article is not sponsored by any third party. It is intended for general informational purposes only and does not address individual circumstances. It is not a substitute for professional advice or help and should not be relied on to make decisions of any kind. Any action you take upon the information presented in this article is strictly at your own risk and responsibility!

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