Over 3,000 Students Risk of Missing University Funding as Application Deadline Looms
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu announced that the majority of students planning to enroll in postsecondary institutions for the 2023–2024 academic year have applied for government aid.
On Thursday, Machogu reported that a total of 238,714 applications had been submitted to the Higher Education Fund as of October 4 of this year.
In comparison, Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service posted a total of 269,112 students at universities and TVET institutions who were eligible for government funding.
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Machogu reported that 3,608 students are in universities, and 26,790 students are in TVET institutions but have not yet applied.
The CS stated that the number is anticipated to increase as the KUCCPS validates the data of students who are transferring to different degree programs or universities.
Machogu added that the Universities Fund and Higher Education Loans Board have initiated the processing of scholarships and bursaries for all applicants.
He assured students, parents, guardians, and institutions of higher education that they are making every effort to ensure they disburse loans and scholarships on time to facilitate the learning activities of applicants.
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He stated that, in the meantime, universities and TVET institutions had received firm instructions to admit and retain students who had reported, even in situations where they lacked the necessary fees.
According to Machogu, 86.6% (121,367) of the 140,147 students have reported to universities where classes have begun for the 2023–2024 academic year.
Machogu says that the number may increase following the establishment of new universities.
According to the CS, enrollment in TVETs is continuous.
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He encouraged all eligible students who had not yet applied to submit formal applications for scholarships and loans via the Higher Education Financing Portal (www.hef.co.ke), he stated.
On July 31, this year, the ministry initiated the application process for higher education scholarships and loans for the 2023 to 2024 cohort.
To ensure that every student benefits, Machogu extended the application deadline from September 7, 2023, to October 7, 2023, granting all eligible applicants the opportunity to submit their materials.
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Over 3,000 Students Risk of Missing University Funding as Application Deadline Looms
