The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and the Universities Fund (UF) have released an updated scholarship and loan appeals mechanism under the Variable Scholarship Loan Funding Model (also known as the New Funding Model), following a Court of Appeal stay order issued on 26th March 2025.
In a joint press statement dated 8th April 2025, the two institutions announced that they had conducted a public participation exercise from 1st to 4th April 2025 and implemented improvements based on stakeholder feedback, including students, parents, and academic institutions.
“In compliance with the Court Order… HELB and UF hereby notify the public, students, and all stakeholders of having carried out an abbreviated public participation,” the statement read.
The appeals mechanism is now available on the HELB website (www.helb.co.ke), the UF website (www.universitiesfund.go.ke), and the Higher Education Financing Portal (www.hef.co.ke). A 21-day appeal window starting 1st April 2025 allows aggrieved students to submit their applications.
“HELB and UF are in the process of analysing the appeals application data collected and are committed to providing feedback to each of the affected students,” it added.
The institutions also warned that the outcome of the ongoing court case may influence future funding policy. “We wish to notify the general public… that the Variable Scholarship Loan Funding Model being subject to an ongoing court appeal process, may change in future depending on the outcome of the appeal before the Court.”
The press statement emphasized that the joint effort seeks to uphold equity and ensure that “no student is left behind” in accessing higher education.
Stakeholders had submitted feedback via emails, physical drop-off points at Huduma Centres, and meetings in 21 higher learning institutions across Kenya.
