CS Ogamba orders extension of HELB deadline
By William Muthama, September 5, 2025Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has directed that the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) application portal remain open until September 14, 2025, to allow more students to apply.
Speaking during an interview on Thursday, September 4, 2025, Ogamba stressed that the extension is meant to ensure that no qualified student misses out on higher education funding due to delays in the application process.
“I did request and directed that the application portal be extended, remain open until the 14th of this month, so that we do not have any student who wishes to apply not to be able to apply,” Ogamba said.
Loan access widened
The CS noted that the extension covers both self-sponsored and private university students who are eligible to apply for HELB loans. However, he clarified that while they are entitled to the loan facility, scholarships remain limited.
“Whether self-sponsored or even private universities, you are entitled to HELB loan. What you would not get is the scholarship,” he explained.
Ogamba added that the government is also considering expanding access to students in teacher training colleges, medical training institutions, and even those studying abroad who may face unexpected financial challenges.
Funding doubled
The CS highlighted the government’s commitment to strengthening the higher education sector through increased funding.
He said allocations to HELB and the Universities Fund have nearly doubled within two years, rising from Ksh45 billion in the 2022–2023 financial year to Ksh85 billion this year.
“We are doing everything that we can to ensure that no student who has qualified to go to university loses that opportunity because of financial constraint,” Ogamba affirmed.
To make the process more inclusive, HELB has also deployed desks in universities where students can receive direct assistance with their applications.
The portal further includes an appeal option for those who wish to contest the amounts allocated.