Relief as student loan, scholarship application deadline is extended

By Peter Ochieng

University students in need of loans and scholarships have more time to submit their applications.

The Ministry of education headed by Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu on Wednesday extended the deadline for a month, in a bid to ensure a 100% application target, and 100% transition to universities.

The previous deadline was to lapse on Thursday, September 7th, 2023.

In addition, the CS also announced the waving of national identity card requirement for students yet to attain the age of 18 years, so as to allow them apply for Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).

"As per the Cabinet directive on 29th August 2023, the Ministry of Education has waived the requirement of a national identity card for the students who have not attained the age of 18 years to allow them to apply for loans,” he said.

As of September 5, a total of 156, 532 students had applied for both Universities Fund scholarships and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans.

That is 60 per cent of students placed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).

Charles Ringera, Chief Executive Officer HELB says the categorisation process of the new funding model will start on Thursday, for those who have successfully applied for the loans.

"We do hope that we will be able to get all the eligible students on board. For those who have successfully applied we will start the categorisation process tomorrow," said Ringera.

Under the new model, students have been categorised into four groups based on their level of financial need.

The groups are vulnerable, very needy, needy and less needy.

Students from vulnerable and extremely needy households will receive 100% funding, while the needy and less needy will get 93% government funding.

Ringera said verification of ID numbers is among the challenges that prompted extension of the deadline.