According to 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 places public universities at the centre of state-supported higher education financing under the current administration.
In contrast, 30 private universities have been cleared to access HELB loans only, meaning students admitted to these institutions will not qualify for government scholarships.
KUCCPS also confirmed that 272 public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions under the Ministry of Education are eligible for both HELB loans and government scholarships.
In contrast, 30 private universities have been cleared to access HELB loans only, meaning students admitted to these institutions will not qualify for government scholarships.
KUCCPS also confirmed that 272 public Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions under the Ministry of Education are eligible for both HELB loans and government scholarships.
The move is aimed at strengthening skills-based training and increasing enrolment in technical institutions.
Additionally, 153 public colleges operating under other government ministries, including Kenya Medical Training Colleges (KMTC), have been approved for HELB loans only.
However, KUCCPS noted that 35 university-level TVET institutions were listed but do not qualify for either government scholarships or HELB loans, limiting funding options for students admitted to those institutions.
The placement agency said the classification is intended to help students and parents make informed decisions during the course selection and placement process.
Among the public universities approved for both government scholarships and HELB loans are the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Egerton University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Moi University, Maseno University, Pwani University, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Multimedia University of Kenya, and the Open University of Kenya, among others.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of increased government funding for higher education. For the 2025/2026 financial year, the government raised the HELB budget from Ksh36 billion to Ksh41 billion, marking a Ksh5 billion increase.
The funding boost is expected to support more learners under the student-centred funding model. Part of the allocation will cater for tuition and student upkeep, while a significant portion will be channelled through the Universities Fund to support government scholarships.
Specifically, Ksh13 billion has been earmarked for student tuition, while Ksh16.9 billion will be directed towards scholarship support.
KUCCPS said the revised funding framework and institutional classification are part of broader efforts to improve access to higher education, promote technical training, and ensure equitable distribution of government-backed student financing.
Additionally, 153 public colleges operating under other government ministries, including Kenya Medical Training Colleges (KMTC), have been approved for HELB loans only.
However, KUCCPS noted that 35 university-level TVET institutions were listed but do not qualify for either government scholarships or HELB loans, limiting funding options for students admitted to those institutions.
The placement agency said the classification is intended to help students and parents make informed decisions during the course selection and placement process.
Among the public universities approved for both government scholarships and HELB loans are the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Egerton University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, Moi University, Maseno University, Pwani University, Dedan Kimathi University of Technology, Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology, Multimedia University of Kenya, and the Open University of Kenya, among others.
The announcement comes against the backdrop of increased government funding for higher education. For the 2025/2026 financial year, the government raised the HELB budget from Ksh36 billion to Ksh41 billion, marking a Ksh5 billion increase.
The funding boost is expected to support more learners under the student-centred funding model. Part of the allocation will cater for tuition and student upkeep, while a significant portion will be channelled through the Universities Fund to support government scholarships.
Specifically, Ksh13 billion has been earmarked for student tuition, while Ksh16.9 billion will be directed towards scholarship support.
KUCCPS said the revised funding framework and institutional classification are part of broader efforts to improve access to higher education, promote technical training, and ensure equitable distribution of government-backed student financing.