Machogu Directs HELB and Universities Fund to Open Portal on June 15
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has instructed the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and the Universities Fund (UF) to open the funding portal on June 15, 2024, enabling eligible students to submit their applications.
This directive follows President William Ruto’s introduction of a new funding model for university and TVET students in May, which came after comprehensive consultations by the Presidential Working Party on Education Reforms.
The new student-centered funding model has changed the placement and funding process for first-year university students. Consequently, the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has published the complete fee structures and cluster requirements for degree programs on its portal.
Machogu announced that the Higher Education Funding portal would open on June 15, 2024, for eligible students to apply for funding.
He informed parents, guardians, and students that the results of the funding applications would be released on July 31, 2024. First-year students are expected to report to their respective universities according to their admission letters and joining instructions.
Upon the release of funding application results, universities will notify first-year students about the amount to be paid by their parents or guardians.
Machogu emphasized the need for universities and funding agencies to begin sensitizing students, parents, and stakeholders about the Student-Centered Funding Model.
Implemented for first-year students who joined universities and TVETs in September 2023, this model has seen significant participation. As of May 2024, 112,741 university students and 151,933 TVET learners had applied for scholarships and loans from the Universities Fund and HELB, respectively.
Machogu reported that Ksh24.76 billion was allocated to university scholarships and loans, while Ksh11.3 billion was distributed to TVET trainees.
For the first time since adopting the cost-sharing policy in higher education, all 2023 KCSE examination applicants received financial support to pursue their chosen programs at universities and TVET institutions.
The second cohort of students joining universities will also receive financial support under this model. Each degree program will be funded through scholarships, loans, and contributions from parents or guardians, based on the assessed need level of each applicant.
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Placement results have led some universities to issue admission letters and fee structures for their courses, as displayed on the KUCCPS portal.
Machogu addressed concerns from some parents and guardians who believed they would need to pay the full fees listed in the admission letters.
He clarified that the contribution from parents or guardians will be determined only after the student has applied for funding and their need level has been assessed. This assessment will subsequently determine the required amount of scholarship and loan.
Machogu Directs HELB and Universities Fund to Open Portal on June 15
