According to recent statistics, Kenyatta University topped the list with 15,208 students applying for financial aid, while Maseno University followed closely with 8,829 students. Kisii University ranked third, with 6,886 students seeking assistance.
These institutions are closely followed by other public universities such as Egerton University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT), and the University of Nairobi (UoN), which all recorded significant numbers of applicants.
The new funding model introduced by the government aims to offer financial assistance in the form of scholarships and loans to students in need. Students apply for the funding through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) portal, and the money is distributed according to financial need and academic merit. This model is intended to ease the financial burden on students and their families, allowing access to higher education for all Kenyans.
A total of 451,000 students applied for government scholarships and loans, with approximately 128,073 students being admitted to public universities. Out of these, 120,000 students applied for loans, demonstrating the large demand for financial support within the higher education system.
In the data, Kenyatta University stood out not only for its large student body but also for the significant number of students seeking aid. The University of Nairobi, another leading institution, saw 6,325 students applying for loans, while Egerton University had 5,797 applicants. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology recorded 5,012 students seeking financial assistance.
The rush for loans highlights the challenges many students face in financing their education. Students who fail to apply for financial aid are left to rely on alternative funding sources, often turning to their families or private loans, which can be burdensome.
Additionally, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology recorded 5,628 students applying for loans, while Technical University of Kenya (TUK) had 4,025 students seeking financial support. Universities such as Chuka and Meru also recorded notable numbers of students applying for government funding.
At the lower end of the scale, institutions like Taita Taveta University, Turkana University College, and Garissa University saw fewer students applying for loans. These institutions, which generally have smaller student populations, recorded significantly lower numbers compared to the larger, more established universities.
The new funding model by the government has been applauded for its attempt to create equity in access to higher education. By focusing on need-based scholarships and affordable loans, the government aims to help deserving students pursue higher education without the heavy financial strain.
However, challenges remain, with some students unable to apply for loans or scholarships due to administrative delays or a lack of information. Furthermore, the need for additional resources to cover the increasing demand for funding is clear. Universities are working closely with government agencies to ensure that all students who qualify for loans and scholarships can access them in a timely manner.
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