Students under Kenya’s old university funding model face fresh uncertainty after the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) explained why some applicants have yet to receive their funds.
The clarification came as the Board started disbursing funds for the 2026/27 academic year, with some students still waiting for batch numbers.
Students Hit Four-Year Funding Limit
HELB explained that some students may miss their next disbursement after reaching the official duration of their courses.
The Board gave the explanation after a student complained that he had waited for more than a month without receiving a batch number.
The student wanted to know whether HELB still had funds for him under the old funding model.
In response, HELB said its records showed that the student's course lasted four years.
The Board therefore expected him to have completed his studies by the time of the latest disbursement.
“Kindly note that your course has a duration of four years, which means you should have completed your studies by now,” HELB told the student.
Students With Extra Years Can Still Seek Funding
However, reaching the official course duration does not automatically end the possibility of receiving funding.
Students who remain enrolled after the standard period can ask their universities to confirm their continued studies.
HELB said affected students should provide a letter from their Dean confirming that they remain in session.
“If you are still in session, please share a letter from the Dean confirming your continued studies to enable us to initiate the disbursement process,” the Board said.
The requirement could affect students who have taken longer than expected to complete their degrees.
Students Told to Contact Universities
Students who have not received batch numbers should first establish whether they have exceeded the official duration of their courses.
Those who remain enrolled may then need to obtain confirmation from their Dean before HELB can process their pending disbursement.
The clarification comes as university students continue checking their HELB accounts for batch numbers and payment updates.
For students who have exhausted the standard course duration, the latest guidance means continued funding will require proof that they are still actively pursuing their studies.
