HELB Explains Delays in Student Funding Disbursement for 2026/27 Academic Year
Nairobi, Kenya – The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has moved to clarify why some students under the old funding model are yet to receive their funds, as the Board begins disbursing the 2026/27 academic year allocations.
The clarification comes amid growing student protests, with numerous affected students seeking answers from HELB over delays in receiving batch numbers. Many have raised concerns about whether the money would eventually be deposited into their bank accounts, prompting the Board to issue a detailed response addressing the root cause of the delays.
Four-Year Cap Triggers Funding Delays
According to one concerned student who had waited for over a month without a batch number being generated, the uncertainty had become a source of anxiety.
“Could you please clarify if there are funds available for me under the old funding model? It has been a month, and no batch number has been generated yet. Will I still receive the funds or not?” the student asked.
Responding to the query, HELB explained that the delay could be linked to the official duration of the student’s course. According to the Board’s system, the student had reached the maximum of four years of study and could no longer receive funds automatically.
“Kindly note that your course has a duration of four years, which means you should have completed your studies by now,” HELB said in its response.
What This Means for Students
The Board’s clarification carries significant implications for students under the old funding model:
| Scenario | HELB Position | Action Required |
|---|---|---|
| Completed 4-year course duration | Funding automatically stops | None – studies assumed complete |
| Extended studies beyond 4 years | Disbursement paused | Provide Dean’s letter confirming continued enrollment |
| Still within 4-year course | Funding continues normally | Monitor for batch number generation |
Key Takeaway: Students who enroll in courses taking more than four years may only receive HELB funding for four years, after which they might be forced to cater for the extra years of study. However, those who have valid reasons for extended study can still access funds by following specific guidelines.
How to Resolve Funding Delays
For students still needing the Board’s funding beyond the standard course duration, HELB has outlined a clear process:
“If you are still in session, please share a letter from the Dean confirming your continued studies to enable us to initiate the disbursement process,” the Board added.
Steps for Affected Students:
- Obtain a letter from your Dean or Faculty Head confirming active enrollment
- Submit the letter to HELB through their official channels
- Wait for verification and processing of the additional documentation
- Monitor your HELB account for batch number generation
Important Considerations
The clarification is particularly significant for students under the old university funding model who may have extended their studies beyond the standard course duration. Common reasons for extended study include:
- Course repetition
- Medical leave
- Industrial attachment or internship extensions
- Change of course or faculty
- Other academic interruptions
Crucially, the response indicates that reaching the official course duration does not necessarily mean a student cannot have their funding processed. However, they may need to provide additional documentation to confirm that they are still actively studying.
What Students Should Do
Students affected by the delays should take immediate action:
- Check your course duration as stated in your admission letter
- Confirm your current academic standing with your institution
- If still studying beyond 4 years, request a confirmation letter from your Dean
- Submit the letter to HELB without delay
- Follow up regularly to ensure the disbursement is initiated
Students who are still within their official course duration should not be affected by this policy and should continue monitoring their HELB accounts for batch numbers and updates on the release of funds.
Background: The 2026/27 Disbursement Cycle
The Board has begun disbursing the 2026/27 academic year funds, with thousands of students across the country awaiting their allocations. The new funding model has introduced changes to how loans are processed and distributed, creating confusion among some beneficiaries.
The delays have sparked protests at several university campuses, with student leaders demanding swift action from HELB to resolve the bottlenecks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: I am in my 5th year of a 4-year course. Am I still eligible for HELB funding?
A: Yes, but you must provide a letter from your Dean confirming that you are still actively enrolled and continuing with your studies.
Q: I have been waiting for a batch number for over a month. What should I do?
A: Check your course duration first. If you have exceeded the official duration, obtain a Dean’s letter and submit it to HELB. If you are still within the duration, contact HELB directly to escalate your query.
Q: Will I receive funding for the extra years of my course?
A: Only with proper documentation confirming continued enrollment. Without this, HELB will assume you have completed your studies.
Contact HELB
Students requiring further clarification can reach HELB through:
- Official website: www.helb.co.ke
- Customer care: 0711052000 / 0202696111
- Email: customerservice@helb.co.ke
- Social media: @HELBKenya (Twitter) / HELB Kenya (Facebook)
Stay updated on HELB disbursements and student funding news. Bookmark this page for the latest information on the 2026/27 academic year funding cycle.