The Kenyan government has introduced a new loan program that specifically targets students taking forestry courses. This move is aimed at supporting learners who are studying to help protect the country’s forests and environment.
The announcement was made on Thursday, July 17, after the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) signed a service agreement with the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
The agreement officially launched the Kenya Forestry College Student Funding Scheme (KFC-SF), which will provide loans and bursaries to students studying at the Kenya Forestry College (KFC).
The signing ceremony took place at the KFS headquarters in Karura. KFS representative Clement Ng’oriareng and HELB CEO Geoffrey Monari signed the deal, marking a major step towards supporting students interested in green careers.
Ng’oriareng noted that this partnership is vital for creating a skilled workforce that can help Kenya meet its goals in forest conservation and environmental protection. He stressed that the country must invest in young talent that can manage natural resources in a sustainable and effective way.
The funding scheme will be fully managed by HELB but will receive guidance from a special committee made up of officials from HELB, KFS, and the Kenya Forestry College. This three-member structure is meant to ensure that the funds are used properly and in line with the government’s broader forestry goals.
As environmental conservation becomes more important worldwide, many Kenyan universities are now offering forestry-related courses to prepare students for careers in this field. One of the most popular programs is the Bachelor of Science in Forestry.
This course covers essential subjects such as forest ecology, silviculture (the care and management of forests), forest policy, and sustainable forest management.
Another popular program is the Bachelor of Science in Agroforestry and Rural Development. This course focuses on combining trees with agriculture to promote environmentally friendly farming and support the development of rural communities.
The new funding program comes at a time when HELB is struggling with financial difficulties. HELB CEO Charles Ringera recently revealed that the agency is facing a major budget shortfall.
For the 2025/2026 financial year, HELB was allocated Ksh26 billion, yet the board estimates it needs Ksh48 billion to fully support students from low-income families who are pursuing higher education.
This new partnership between KFS and HELB is seen as a strategic step not only to address the shortage in skilled forestry professionals but also to ensure that students in this field can access the financial support they need to complete their studies.
Join Gen Z & Millennials New WhatsApp Channel To Stay Updated On time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
