HELB Unveils New Website for Loans; How to Apply Via hef.co.ke
President William Ruto directed Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu to unveil the new university financing model on Monday, July 31.
The Higher Education Financing Portal was established by Machogu to provide university and TVET students with access to government funding.
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“Since the presidential directive on the rollout of the new funding model on May 3, 2023,” the CS stated, “the government has developed and completed the Higher Education Financing portal to accept applications for scholarships, bursaries, and loans for university and TVET students.”
It is a new method of providing financial support to students enrolled in universities and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) institutions to ensure that every Kenyan student is assisted according to their level of need.
The CS further explained that the new financing model will have no effect on continuing Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) students.
For the first time, students whose families reside at the bottom of the pyramid will have equal access to university and TVET education.
Over 45,000 university students and 42,000 TVET students categorized as vulnerable and exceedingly needy will be fully funded through Government Scholarships and Loans.
Ruto explained in May that the new model does not increase university tuition and that the government will increase funding for educational institutions.
The president added that the new model will divide pupils into three categories: those who are vulnerable, those who are less vulnerable, and those who can receive funding.
“Universities and TVETS will no longer receive block funding in the form of capitation based on differentiated unit cost,” Ruto said.
How to Apply
Students can access the platform via hef.co.ke to take advantage of the numerous services provided.
Machogu stated, “Students in need of funding must submit a formal application through the Higher Education Financing portal, accessible at www.hef.co.ke.”
The platform has consolidated numerous educational services for students in higher education institutions.
Once on the platform, you will see various services on the dashboard as well as account login and student registration sections.
The platform is for loan applications from new students enrolling in college or university in September 2023.
Then, users can enter their information, including their education credentials, biodata such as their ID number and secondary school index number, and addresses.
Under the menu titled “Student Registration,” all of these details will be required.