The government has processed 127,591 student loan applications and categorized them under the five tiers of the newly implemented and debated Higher Education Funding model. This new model classifies students according to their financial needs, with the categories ranging from band one to band five, reflecting the economic status of their families.
In a statement released on Friday, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba outlined the ministry’s efforts to ensure the timely disbursement of funds by August 30, 2024. He noted that Ksh.5.2 billion has already been allocated to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) for tuition and maintenance loans, with Ksh.2.8 billion directed to the Universities Fund for scholarships.
“The funds are now being disbursed to the respective university and student accounts, following verification of students' enrollment and admission,” said CS Ogamba.
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Meanwhile, 12,598 students have lodged complaints requesting reassignment to different categories. The ministry has initiated a review of these grievances, with CS Ogamba indicating that the process will be completed within three weeks of each appeal.
Additionally, the CS announced an extension of the funding application deadline from August 15, 2024, to December 31, 2024, to accommodate late appeals. He emphasized that the ministry is collaborating with officers from the National Government Administration Office in a multi-agency effort to ensure fair categorization and prevent any eligible student from missing out on funding. These officers will help verify the information provided by applicants across all 106,600 villages in the country.
CS Ogamba urged students to provide accurate information when filling out applications to ensure they are placed in the correct financial assistance categories.
