HELB Clarifies Loan Disbursement for Students Without National IDs
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has clarified how it will disburse funds to more than 2,000 students who applied for funding but lacked National Identity cards.
Chief Executive Charles Ringera stated in a statement that the student’s funds will be withheld until a genuine ID is presented. HELB requires both the student’s and parent’s identification numbers during the application procedure.
Ringera emphasized that the board’s options are limited because it is illegal to grant loans to people under the age of 18.
“An ID is essential for identifying the student’s identity, particularly when they are repaying their loan,” he added.
Additionally, the chief executive officer urged students to take advantage of the government-advertised funds, assuring them that sufficient resources were available to meet their requirements.
Ringera further expressed confidence in the new funding model, emphasizing that it was implemented at the appropriate moment to ensure that every student receives the necessary funds to further their education.
In a departure from the previous policy, the CEO informed the students that, should they decide to change their course or transfer to a different institution, the allocated funds would still be available to them.
The official stated, “It is a student-centered model, and the money will follow them.”
Under the new model, the CEO projects that the board will have spent Ksh210 billion (Ksh145 billion for loans and Ksh75 billion for scholarships) to finance students by 2028.
In September, at least 285,698 students are anticipated to enroll in institutions of higher education. The Chief Executive Officer emphasized that all students will be accommodated, effectively refuting rumors that some students will be left out.
The new funding model divides students into four categories: the most vulnerable, the most in need, the needy, and the least in need.
According to Ringera, the government will allocate funds to all of these categories of students, and they will all be treated equally.
HELB Clarifies Loan Disbursement for Students Without National IDs