The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and the Universities Fund (UF) have jointly announced the development of a Scholarship and Loan Appeals Mechanism, inviting public participation to ensure transparency and inclusivity in higher education funding. This initiative follows a directive from the Court of Appeal on March 26, 2025, mandating the institutions to engage stakeholders within 14 days.
Background of the Appeals Mechanism
In May 2023, the government introduced the Variable Scholarship Loan Funding Model (VSLF), aiming to allocate financial aid to university and TVET students based on their household income. However, concerns arose regarding its implementation, leading to legal challenges. On December 20, 2024, the High Court declared the model unconstitutional due to lack of public participation and potential discrimination. The Court of Appeal has since suspended this judgment, allowing the model’s continuation while directing HELB and UF to establish an appeals process for aggrieved students.
Call for Public Participation
HELB and UF are now seeking input from students, parents, guardians, and other stakeholders to refine the appeals mechanism. The public participation exercise is scheduled until April 4, 2025, at 5:00 PM. Stakeholders can submit comments and memoranda via email to appeals@helb.co.ke or appeals@uf.go.ke. Additionally, submissions can be made at HELB desks located in Huduma Centres nationwide.
Regional Public Engagement Meetings
To facilitate broader engagement, physical meetings will be held across various regions on April 4, 2025. These sessions aim to provide a platform for direct interaction and feedback on the appeals mechanism. The venues and times for these meetings are as follows:
| Region | Venue | Time |
|---|---|---|
| Central | Nyeri National Polytechnic | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Dedan Kimathi University of Technology | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | |
| Mt. Kenya University | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM | |
| Central Rift | Egerton University | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Kabarak University | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | |
| Coast | Kenya Coast National Polytechnic | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Technical University of Mombasa | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | |
| Lower Eastern | Machakos University | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Machakos Technical Institute for the Blind | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | |
| Nairobi | University of Nairobi | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| North Eastern | Garissa University | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| North Eastern National Polytechnic | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | |
| North Rift | Moi University | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Eldoret National Polytechnic | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | |
| Nyanza | Maseno University | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| South Nyanza | Kisii University | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Kisii National Polytechnic | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM | |
| South Rift | Maasai Mara University | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Upper Eastern | University of Embu | 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM |
| Western | Shamberere National Polytechnic | 9:00 AM – 12:00 PM |
| Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology | 2:00 PM – 5:00 PM |
Importance of Public Participation
Engaging the public in developing the appeals mechanism is crucial for several reasons:
- Transparency: Ensures that the process is open and accountable.
- Inclusivity: Incorporates diverse perspectives, leading to a more equitable system.
- Effectiveness: Identifies potential issues and areas for improvement.
How to Participate
Stakeholders are encouraged to:
- Submit Written Comments: Email your feedback to appeals@helb.co.ke or appeals@uf.go.ke.
- Visit Huduma Centres: Provide submissions at HELB desks available nationwide.
- Attend Regional Meetings: Participate in the scheduled sessions to voice your opinions directly.
The collaborative effort by HELB and UF to involve the public in shaping the Scholarship and Loan Appeals Mechanism underscores a commitment to fairness and transparency in higher education funding. Stakeholders’ active participation will be instrumental in creating a system that equitably addresses the needs and concerns of all students.
Your voice matters in shaping the future of higher education funding in Kenya. Submit your feedback by April 4, 2025, and attend the regional meetings to contribute to a more inclusive and transparent appeals process.
