Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu on, September 6, announced that the application deadline for Helb loans and scholarships for university students has been extended.

Machogu noted in a statement that the deadline has been moved from September 7 to October 7.

“The application period for Helb loans and scholarships that was initially scheduled to lapse on September 7, 2023, has now been extended to October 7, 2023,” Machogu said.   

The Education CS said the move is a government initiative aimed at ensuring a 100 percent transition into varsities and TVETs.

Additionally, Machogu said the ministry has waived the requirement of a National ID for students who have not attained the age of 18 years to allow them to apply for Loans.

“The Ministry has accordingly directed the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) to review its portal to ensure all the 2,000 students yet to attain the age of 18 to apply for the loans,” the CS said.

Machogu said the University Fund and Helb have been directed to process scholarships and bursaries for all students who have already applied.

Consequently, the agencies will ensure the processing and disbursement exercise of scholarships and Helb loans is conducted on a continuing basis.

Machogu explained that universities have been directed to ensure all first-year students are allowed enough time to report to their institutions.

“Where universities have already commenced admission of first years, measures must be in place to ensure students are not turned away for failure to pay school fees as the Government processes their funds applications,” Machogu said.

Further, the CS emphasized the need for universities to admit all first-year students, including those who have not paid fees.

“In the meantime, I wish to assure the country that no student will miss to join university because of failure to pay fees,” Machogu said.