HELB Invites Public Participation On Scholarship, Loan Appeals Mechanism

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has invited the public to provide feedback on a newly developed scholarship and loan appeals mechanism, following a Court of Appeal ruling on March 26, 2025.

The court directed HELB and the Universities Fund (UF) to comply with the new framework within 14 days.

HELB and UF, both State Corporations under the Ministry of Education, have been implementing the Variable Scholarship Loan Funding Model since July 2023.

This model aims to promote equity and ensure inclusivity in the distribution of scholarships and loans to students in Higher Learning Institutions.

“The two State Corporations have developed a scholarship and loan appeals mechanism. Pursuant to Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya, on national values and principles of governance, and in compliance with the Order issued by the Court of Appeal on 26th March 2025, directing the two institutions to comply within 14 days, the institutions hereby invite the public and stakeholders for abbreviated public participation by submitting comments and memoranda on the appeals mechanism,” HELB said in a statement on Tuesday, April 1, 2025.

The Court of Appeal, in its ruling on March 26, 2025, stayed the High Court’s decision, allowing the implementation of the funding model to continue while the appeal is being heard. T

he court also directed the Attorney General, the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), and HELB to publicize the funding framework to all universities and colleges within 14 days.

The framework must be communicated to current university students, incoming students, and those applying for the next placement cycle.

“The execution of the Judgment and Orders of the High Court in Petition 412 of 2023, issued on 20th December 2024, is stayed,” the court stated.

Furthermore, the court instructed that students currently benefiting from the funding model and new applicants should be informed that the framework may change depending on the outcome of the appeal.

The public participation process will run until 5:00 PM on April 4, 2025.

Comments and submissions can be sent to slappeals@helb.co.ke, appeals@ufb.go.ke, or through Huduma Centres with HELB desks nationwide.

HELB will also hold physical public hearings at various institutions on April 4, 2025.

“We also wish to assure the general public and all stakeholders, including students, parents, guardians, and higher learning institutions, that the Variable Scholarship Loan Funding Model is subject to the ongoing court appeal process and that adjustments may be made in the future in the interest of fairness & equity,” HELB added.