Helb at the crossroads: As government promises more funding, students fear an uncertain tomorrow
The Mt Kenya Times 
Promises, pressure and panic as Kenya’s university students brace for a heavier burden
By Hadassah Karangu
As thousands of young Kenyans wait for admission into universities and colleges, another journey has already begun long before they step into lecture halls. It is not a journey of learning, but one of uncertainty, anxiety and unanswered questions. Across campuses and in homes, one issue dominates conversations: Will Helb be enough?
The government maintains that it is not abandoning university students. The Treasury has pointed to increased allocations for higher education, saying that billions of shillings have been set aside for loans and scholarships under the student-centred funding model. Officials have repeatedly assured parents and students that support will continue and that access to higher education remains a national priority.
Yet despite these assurances, fear continues to spread among university students. The reason is simple. The number of students seeking higher education rises every year, while demand for financial support is growing even faster. Budget documents and education stakeholders have highlighted significant gaps between what is required and what has been allocated, leaving many students wondering whether everyone who qualifies will receive adequate support.
For many families, Helb is not just another government programme. It is the bridge between hope and dropping out of school. It pays part of tuition fees, supports accommodation, buys books, provides transport money and helps students afford daily meals. Without it, university life becomes an uphill battle that many households simply cannot finance.
The greatest fear today is not whether Helb will exist. The real fear is whether the amount disbursed will be enough to meet students’ actual needs. If funding is reduced or delayed, thousands of students could struggle to pay fees, face registration challenges, miss examinations or even defer their studies. Others may be forced to spend more time looking for casual jobs than attending lectures.
The pressure extends far beyond university gates. Parents are equally affected. Kenya continues to face a difficult economic environment in which many households are already battling the rising cost of food, rent, transport and healthcare. Asking parents to fill an even bigger financial gap may simply be impossible for many families. Some will borrow, others will sell assets, while the most vulnerable may have no option but to watch their children postpone their dreams.
The concern is growing as another cohort prepares to join universities under an evolving education system. Every new intake increases demand for scholarships and loans. Unless funding grows at the same pace, competition for limited resources will become even more intense, creating uncertainty for both first-year and continuing students.
Recent figures illustrate the challenge. Budget estimates indicate that the amount allocated to Helb remains well below what is required to support all eligible students under the current funding model, leaving a substantial shortfall. At the same time, government leaders insist that allocations have increased compared with previous years and that reforms are intended to ensure resources reach those with the greatest financial need.
This debate has become much bigger than numbers on a budget sheet. It is about trust. Students want certainty before reporting to campus. Parents want clear answers before making financial commitments. Universities need predictable funding to continue offering quality education without constant disruption.
No student should begin an academic year unsure whether they will afford the next semester. Education works best when learners concentrate on books, assignments and innovation—not on whether they will have enough money for lunch, accommodation or examination fees.
The government deserves recognition for acknowledging the importance of higher education and continuing to invest KSh billions in student financing. However, the concerns raised by students cannot simply be dismissed as unnecessary panic. They reflect genuine fears experienced by thousands of young Kenyans whose future depends on reliable financial support.
Ultimately, Kenya’s greatest resource is not found underground or in government revenue collections. It is found in its young people. Every university student represents future doctors, journalists, engineers, teachers, lawyers, entrepreneurs and innovators. Investing in them is not an expense; it is an investment in the country’s future prosperity.
As the new academic year approaches, one question remains unanswered: Will the government bridge the funding gap and restore confidence among students, or will parents and learners once again shoulder the burden of uncertainty?
The answer will determine not only who enters university, but also who manages to stay there until graduation.
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