Following a substantial state allocation of Kes 30.8 billion dedicated to bolstering higher education, the government has issued a rallying call to the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) candidates selected for public universities for the 2026/2027 academic year. Beneficiaries are strongly encouraged to leverage this funding by applying for tuition assistance under the progressive Student-Centred Funding Model.
According to the Universities Fund (UF), these financial provisions are earmarked for the 202,133 students placed in public tertiary institutions by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS). Eligible applicants must submit their details through the Higher Education Financing (HEF) Portal before the strict deadline of September 6.
In an effort to preempt administrative bottlenecks, the Acting Chief Executive Officer of the Universities Fund, Dr. Edwin Wanyonyi, has implored students to initiate their applications expeditiously. Early submissions, he noted, are vital to facilitating thorough verification and ensuring that funds are disbursed well ahead of the matriculation date.
“To guarantee a seamless transition into higher learning, we strongly urge public university students to submit their scholarship applications at the earliest opportunity. Timely registration is paramount, as it allows us to process, allocate, and disburse financial aid efficiently before the academic term commences,” Dr. Wanyonyi stated.
The Kes 30.8 billion funding package for the 2026/2027 fiscal year marks a significant Kes 12.4 billion increase from the Kes 18.4 billion allocated in the preceding financial cycle.
Under the provisions of the Student-Centred Funding Model, students admitted to public universities are eligible for a hybrid package consisting of both Universities Fund scholarships and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans. Conversely, those matriculating into private universities are eligible exclusively for HELB loans. The exact quantum of financial aid awarded is mathematically determined by a combination of household financial vulnerability and the specific tuition costs of the student’s chosen academic program.
To minimize friction in the system, Dr. Wanyonyi emphasized the need for precision and honesty during the application process.
“I appeal directly to parents, guardians, and sponsors to actively guide students through this process. It is imperative that all supporting documentation is compiled and verified beforehand, ensuring that applications are not only submitted punctually but are also entirely accurate to prevent avoidable processing delays,” he added.
To support this rollout, the Universities Fund has initiated a comprehensive, nationwide sensitization campaign branded #WahiScholarship. This outreach program is designed to educate applicants on eligibility parameters, application protocols, and critical deadlines, ensuring that no deserving student is disenfranchised by a lack of information.
Since its inception in 2023, the Student-Centred Funding Model has extended financial lifelines to over 400,000 students, with the pioneer cohort scheduled to graduate next year. To maintain institutional transparency, scholarship disbursements are remitted directly to the respective public universities to offset tuition fees.
To qualify for government scholarship funding, applicants must meet the following criteria;Must be a Kenyan citizen,Must have been placed in a public university by KUCCPS,Must have sat the KCSE examination in 2022 or later and finally Must complete and submit an application via the official HEF Portal.
Continuing students are also reminded that their application window remains active. They can apply directly through the HEF Portal or utilize the USSD code *642# via their registered mobile phone numbers.
Applications for both the Universities Fund scholarships and HELB loans remain entirely free of charge and must be submitted once every academic year.
