The government has released Ksh.4.2 billion in scholarship funding to support more than 400,000 continuing undergraduate students in public universities under the Student-Centred Funding Model (SCFM). The latest disbursement comes as authorities prepare to open the Higher Education Financing (HEF) Portal for the 2025 KCSE cohort, paving the way for a new group of students to apply for scholarships and loans.
Highlights
- Government has released Ksh.4.2 billion for public university scholarships.
- More than 400,000 continuing students will benefit.
- Total scholarship allocation for the 2025/2026 financial year now stands at Ksh.18.4 billion.
- The HEF Portal is set to open for the 2025 KCSE cohort.
- Scholarship funding is projected to increase to Ksh.30.8 billion in 2026/2027.
Main Story
Ksh.4.2 Billion Released to Support University Students
The government has injected Ksh.4.2 billion into public university scholarships, providing financial support for more than 400,000 continuing undergraduate students across the country.
The funds, disbursed through the Universities Fund, will cover tuition costs for students admitted to public universities in 2023, 2024, and 2025 under the Student-Centred Funding Model (SCFM).
This latest allocation raises the total amount released by the National Treasury for the 2025/2026 financial year to Ksh.18.4 billion.
HEF Portal to Open for 2025 KCSE Candidates
The announcement comes just days before the Higher Education Financing (HEF) Portal is expected to open for students who sat the 2025 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations.
Through the portal, learners admitted to public universities will be able to apply for both Universities Fund scholarships and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans.
Government Urges Early Applications
Universities Fund Acting Chief Executive Officer Edwin Wanyonyi said the latest investment reflects the government’s continued commitment to making higher education more accessible.
He encouraged all students placed in universities through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service to submit applications for both scholarships and HELB loans once the HEF Portal opens.
According to Dr. Wanyonyi, applying for both forms of financial support helps reduce the financial burden on families while ensuring students can continue with their studies uninterrupted.
Student-Centred Funding Model Continues to Expand
Since its introduction in 2023, the Student-Centred Funding Model has supported more than 400,000 university students.
Under the programme, scholarships are awarded according to a student’s financial need, with tuition payments made directly to public universities on behalf of beneficiaries. The approach is intended to promote equitable access to higher education regardless of a student’s economic background.
The pioneer group of beneficiaries is expected to graduate next year.
Rising University Enrolment Drives Increased Funding
The government says demand for university education has grown significantly in recent years.
The number of students qualifying for direct university admission has risen from 69,155 in 2017 to 270,715 in 2025—an increase of nearly 292 percent.
To keep pace with this growth, scholarship funding is set to increase from Ksh.18.4 billion in the current financial year to Ksh.30.8 billion during the 2026/2027 financial year.
As university enrolment continues to rise, timely financial support will remain crucial in ensuring that no qualified student is left behind because of economic challenges.
