The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has released an updated list of universities and colleges that qualify for government scholarships and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funding.
The announcement is meant to help students and parents make informed decisions as they prepare for placement and funding applications.
According to the data shared by KUCCPS, 42 public universities, together with the Open University of Kenya, are fully eligible for both government scholarships and HELB loans.
This confirms that public universities remain the biggest beneficiaries of government-supported higher education financing under President William Ruto’s administration.
KUCCPS explained that this classification aligns with the government’s student-centred funding model, which prioritises access, equity, and affordability in higher education.
Private Universities and HELB Loans Only
In contrast, 30 private universities have been approved for HELB loans only. This means that students admitted to these private institutions will be able to access HELB loans for tuition and upkeep but will not qualify for government scholarships.
KUCCPS noted that while private universities play an important role in expanding access to higher education, government scholarships are largely reserved for public institutions due to funding priorities and policy direction.
Strong Focus on TVET Institutions
The placement body also revealed that 272 public colleges under the Ministry of Education, offering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes, are eligible for both government scholarships and HELB loans.
This move is aimed at strengthening technical and skills-based education across the country. By increasing funding support for TVET institutions, the government hopes to boost enrolment, promote practical skills, and address youth unemployment through hands-on training.
In addition, 153 public colleges operating under other government ministries, as well as Kenya Medical Training Colleges (KMTC), have been approved for HELB loans only. Students in these institutions will be able to access loans but will not receive government scholarships.
University-Level TVET Institutions Left Out
KUCCPS further disclosed that 35 university-level TVET institutions were included in the general listing but do not qualify for either government scholarships or HELB loans. The placement service advised students to carefully review funding eligibility before selecting institutions during placement.
List of Public Universities Eligible for HELB and Government Scholarships
Below is the list of public universities and university colleges approved for both HELB loans and government scholarships:
- Multimedia University of Kenya
- Murang’a University of Technology
- Nyandarua University College
- Open University of Kenya
- Pwani University
- Rongo University
- South Eastern Kenya University
- Taita Taveta University
- Technical University of Kenya
- Technical University of Mombasa
- Tharaka University
- Tom Mboya University
- Turkana University College
- University of Eldoret
- University of Embu
- University of Kabianga
- University of Nairobi
- Alupe University
- Bomet University College
- Chuka University
- Co-operative University of Kenya
- Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
- Egerton University
- Garissa University
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
- Kabarnet University College
- Kaimosi Friends University
- Karatina University
- Kenyatta University
- Mama Ngina University College
- Kibabii University
- Kirinyaga University
- Kisii University
- Koitaleel Samoei University College
- Laikipia University
- Maasai Mara University
- Machakos University
- Maseno University
- Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
- Meru University of Science and Technology
- Moi University
KUCCPS stated that the list is designed to guide learners and their families so they can clearly understand which institutions offer full government support before making final choices.
Government Raises HELB Funding for 2025/2026
The KUCCPS announcement comes just weeks after the government increased HELB funding for the 2025/2026 financial year. The annual HELB budget was raised from Ksh36 billion to Ksh41 billion, marking a Ksh5 billion increase.
The funding boost is expected to benefit more students in universities, colleges, and TVET institutions under the new student-centred funding model. The government aims to ensure that no qualified learner is left out due to financial challenges.
Out of the total allocation, Ksh13 billion will be used to support student tuition, while Ksh16.9 billion will be channelled to the Universities Fund to finance government scholarships. The remaining funds will go towards student upkeep and other support programmes.
The government says the increased funding demonstrates its commitment to expanding access to higher education, supporting skills development, and empowering young people through affordable learning opportunities.
Join Gen z Official WhatsApp Channel to share your thoughts and stay updated on time
https://whatsapp.com/channel/0029VaWT5gSGufImU8R0DO30
