KUCCPS Releases List of Universities And Colleges Eligible For HELB

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has released an official list of universities and colleges that qualify for government scholarships and funding from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), offering much-needed clarity to students preparing for placement into higher learning institutions.

According to the data published by the KUCCPS, a total of 42 public universities, alongside the Open University of Kenya, have been approved to receive both government scholarships and HELB loans.

This designation places public universities at the centre of government-backed higher education financing under President William Ruto’s administration, reinforcing the state’s commitment to expanding access to university education.

The announcement means that students placed in these public universities will be eligible to benefit from a combination of scholarships and loans, significantly easing the financial burden on families and ensuring that more learners can transition smoothly into higher education.

In addition to universities, KUCCPS revealed that 272 public colleges operating under the Ministry of Education and offering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programmes have also been approved for both government scholarships and HELB loans.

The move is part of broader efforts by the government to strengthen TVET institutions, promote skills-based education, and increase enrolment in technical colleges that are seen as key drivers of job creation and industrial growth.

Further, KUCCPS disclosed that 153 public colleges operating under other government ministries, together with Kenya Medical Training Colleges (KMTC), have been approved to access HELB loans only. Students in these institutions will therefore qualify for loan support but will not be eligible for direct government scholarships.

At the same time, the placement body noted that 35 university-level TVET institutions have been included in the eligibility list but do not qualify for either government scholarships or HELB loans. KUCCPS advised students to take note of this classification when making their course and institution choices to avoid financing challenges after placement.

Public Universities Eligible for Government Scholarships and HELB Loans

1. Multimedia University of Kenya
2. Murang’a University of Technology
3. Nyandarua University College
4. Open University of Kenya
5. Pwani University
6. Rongo University
7. South Eastern Kenya University
8. Taita Taveta University
9. Technical University of Kenya
10. Technical University of Mombasa
11. Tharaka University
12. Tom Mboya University
13. Turkana University College
14. University of Eldoret
15. University of Embu
16. University of Kabianga
17. University of Nairobi
18. Alupe University
19. Bomet University College
20. Chuka University
21. Co-operative University of Kenya
22. Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
23. Egerton University
24. Garissa University
25. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
26. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
27. Kabarnet University College
28. Kaimosi Friends University
29. Karatina University
30. Kenyatta University
31. Kenya University – Mama Ngina University College
32. Kibabii University
33. Kirinyaga University
34. Kisii University
35. Koitaleel Samoei University College
36. Laikipia University
37. Maasai Mara University
38. Machakos University
39. Maseno University
40. Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology
41. Meru University of Science and Technology
42. Moi University

KUCCPS said the classification is intended to guide students and parents during the placement and application process, enabling them to make informed decisions based on funding eligibility and institutional status.

The announcement comes just weeks after the government increased the annual HELB loan budget from Ksh36 billion to Ksh41 billion for the 2025/2026 financial year. The Ksh 5 billion increase is expected to significantly boost access to higher education by supporting a larger number of students under the student-centred funding model.

Under the new allocation, a portion of the funds will be directed towards student tuition and upkeep, while the remaining amount will support scholarships. Specifically, Ksh13 billion has been earmarked for student tuition, while Ksh16.9 billion will be channelled to the Universities Fund to finance scholarships.

The government has maintained that the expanded funding framework is aimed at ensuring equitable access to higher education, reducing dropout rates linked to financial hardship, and aligning training with national development priorities.

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