If you’re a student in Kenya preparing to join university or TVET college, chances are you’ve applied for a HELB loan or scholarship. These funds are meant to help students pay for tuition, upkeep, and other school related costs.
But one big question remains on everyone’s mind is When will HELB disburse the funds?
In this blog, we’ll break down everything you need to know about the HELB loan and scholarship disbursement process in 2025, including when payments are being made, how much funding is available, common issues students are facing, and what’s being said online.
When Did HELB Disbursement Start?
As of August 15, 2025, the Kenyan government officially began disbursing HELB loans and scholarships to first year university and TVET students. This marked the start of financial support under the new Student-Centered Funding Model.
However, the disbursements are happening in phases, not all at once. Since universities and colleges reopen at different times, HELB is releasing funds based on each institution’s calendar and student registration status. So, if your friend has already received their money and you have not received money then don’t worry, yours is likely still being processed.
Why phased disbursement?
Because different universities and colleges reopen at different times, the funds are being released according to the opening dates of each institution. So don’t worry if your friend at another school has already received their money. Yours is probably on the way too.
How Much Money Is Being Disbursed?
For the 2025/2026 financial year, the Kenyan government made a big move by increasing the total HELB budget from KSh 36 billion to KSh 41 billion. This shows a strong commitment to making higher education more accessible for all, especially for students from low-income backgrounds. With the rising cost of education, this extra funding is a huge relief for thousands of students across the country.
The funds are split into two main categories. KSh 13 billion has been allocated for HELB loans, which cover tuition fees and student upkeep helping students pay for basic needs like accommodation, food, and transport. The remaining KSh 16.9 billion goes toward scholarships, managed through the Universities Fund, and is awarded based on need and performance. With this increased funding, more students than ever before are getting the financial support they need to stay in school and succeed.
Here’s how the money is allocated:
- KSh 13 billion: For tuition and student upkeep (through HELB loans).
- KSh 16.9 billion: For scholarships (administered by the Universities Fund).
This increase means more students are getting more support than ever before.
How Many Students Applied?
HELB received a large number of applications this year under the new Student Centered Funding Model (SCFM)
- 129,403 university students applied.
- 60,976 students from TVET colleges submitted applications.
By mid August, more than:
- 64% of university applicants and
- 51% of TVET applicants
had completed their applications. So if you’ve applied and completed all steps, your funding is likely in progress already.
How to Check Your HELB Disbursement Status
Applying for a HELB loan or scholarship is only the first is the real relief comes when the funds are finally disbursed. But how do you know if your money has been sent?
Here’s a complete, beginner-friendly guide to checking your HELB disbursement status:
Visit the HELB Student Portal
Go to the official HELB website: www.helb.co.ke Click on “Student Portal” at the top right menu or homepage. This is where all loan tracking takes place.
Log in Using Your Account Details
You’ll need:
- Your National ID number or the email you used during registration.
- Your password (set during account creation).
Forgot your password? Use the “Forgot Password” option to reset it via email.
Go to the “Loan Applications” Tab
After logging in, then go on to navigate to the “Loan Applications” section on the left menu.
Here you can see your application details, edit information (if still allowed), and check the progress.
Click on “Loan Status”
Inside the Loan Applications area, you’ll find an option called “Loan Status.”
Click it where you’ll see a breakdown of your current status and what each stage means.
Understand Each Status Stage
Your application will fall under one of the following categories:
Applied
Your application has been submitted and received by HELB.
At this stage:
- You can’t make changes unless edits are reopened.
You should ensure all documents are uploaded properly.
Verified
HELB has reviewed your documents and confirmed that everything is valid.
This means:
- You passed the first round of checks.
- You’re now waiting for fund allocation.
💡 Tip: This is a good time to double check your bank details under your profile.
Allocated
Your loan or scholarship amount has been assigned based on your financial need and eligibility.
It’s now waiting to be released.
This is where most students get excited but don’t confuse “Allocated” with “Disbursed.” The money hasn’t been sent yet!
Disbursed
HELB has officially sent the money to your university’s account (for tuition) or your bank account (for upkeep).
At this stage:
- Contact your school’s finance office to confirm receipt of tuition funds.
- Check your personal bank account if you’re expecting a direct allowance.
What Happens After “Disbursed”?
Even when HELB disburses the funds, there might still be a delay before it appears in:
- Your student portal/fee statement at your school, or
- Your bank account, especially if it’s a weekend or public holiday.
What If Your Status Hasn’t Changed in Weeks?
This is a common issue, especially during peak season. Here’s what you can do:
| Problem | What to Do |
| Status stuck at “Applied” | Wait patiently. Processing takes time, especially for new students. |
| Status at “Verified” for weeks | Double-check that your documents were complete. If unsure, contact HELB. |
| Allocated but not Disbursed | Funds are usually released in phases — wait for your turn or school opening confirmation. |
| Disbursed but no money received | Contact your university or check your bank for delays. Make sure bank details are correct. |
Other way to Check Disbursement Status
Students can easily track the status of their HELB loan for servent and scholarship disbursement using the following methods:
- HELB Mobile App Download the official HELB app from the Google Play Store. After logging in, navigate to the disbursement tab to check your payment details in real time.
- SMS Alerts If you enabled SMS notifications during the application, HELB will send a message confirming disbursement. This alert includes payment amount and date.
- Institution Finance Office Visit or contact your university or college finance office. They can confirm if tuition fees from HELB have been received and credited to your account.
What If Your Funds Haven’t Arrived Yet?
Many students are still waiting for their disbursements and that’s okay. Delays can happen due to processing time, verification, or phased rollouts.
For example, Kenyatta University issued a notice saying that students can register for classes even if their HELB funds haven’t come in yet.
Tip: If your money hasn’t arrived, don’t panic. Contact your school’s finance office. Many institutions are allowing students to enroll without paying upfront while waiting for HELB.
Additional Tips to Avoid Disbursement Delays
✅ Always ensure your bank details are correct in the HELB portal.
✅ Keep your email and phone number active HELB may send updates or alerts.
✅ Regularly check your portal, especially during major release periods (August, January, May).
✅ Follow HELB’s official Twitter (X) and Facebook pages for real-time disbursement announcements.
✅ Join Facebook groups like “HELB Disbursement Queries” for peer support and shared updates.
Common Issues
Here are some common problems students are facing with HELB this year and how to handle them.
Disbursement Delays
Some students haven’t received their money yet, even though others have.
Solution: Be patient. Disbursement is happening in phases. Contact your school if you need a temporary waiver to register.
HELB Portal Status Not Updating
You submitted everything, but your status still says “Applied” or “Pending.”
Solution: Wait a few days. It often takes time for the system to update after verification or disbursement.
Wrong Bank Details
HELB shows your funds are disbursed, but there’s nothing in your account.
Solution: Log into your HELB portal and check your bank account details. If something’s wrong, contact HELB immediately to fix it.
FAQ
Q1: When will I receive my HELB loan or scholarship?
Disbursement began on August 15, 2025. It’s being done in phases depending on your school’s reopening date.
Q2: Can I register for classes if I haven’t received my HELB funds?
Yes! Many institutions are allowing temporary registration without upfront payment if HELB is delayed.
Q3: How can I increase my chances of getting more support?
Make sure your application is complete, your income details are accurate, and your documents are uploaded correctly.
Q4: Can I get both a loan and a scholarship?
Yes, depending on your family’s income and the funding model. Many students receive both.
Q5: What if I missed the application deadline?
You’ll need to wait for the next application cycle. Keep checking the HELB and Ministry of Education websites for updates.
Conclusion
The HELB loan and scholarship program is a game changer for thousands of Kenyan students. In 2025, with increased funding and wider access, it’s helping even more students pursue higher education.
If you’ve applied and are still waiting for money then don’t stress. Disbursements are ongoing, and many students are in the same situation. Use the HELB portal to track your application, and stay connected with your school for any support you may need.
Also, join online communities like Facebook groups or follow HELB updates on X (Twitter) to stay informed.
