Kenyan students planning to join a university or college in 2026 must pay close attention to where they apply. Funding now depends heavily on institutional eligibility. The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service has released the official 2026 list of Institutions Eligible for HELB and Government Scholarships, clearly showing who qualifies and who does not.
This list determines whether a student can access government scholarships, HELB loans, or both. For parents and candidates, this information is no longer optional. It directly affects affordability, course choices, and long-term student debt.
Institutions Eligible for HELB and Government Scholarships in 2026
KUCCPS confirms that 42 public universities and the Open University of Kenya qualify for both government scholarships and HELB loans. This places public universities at the center of government-backed higher education financing under President William Ruto’s administration.
Private universities receive limited support. KUCCPS lists 30 private universities as eligible for HELB loans only, locking them out of government scholarships. Students in these institutions must rely on loans, personal funds, or alternative sponsorship.
The placement body also approves 272 public TVET colleges under the Ministry of Education for both government scholarships and HELB loans. This move signals a strong shift toward technical and skill-based education.
At the same time, 153 public colleges under other ministries and KMTCs qualify for HELB loans only. Meanwhile, 35 university-level TVET institutions make the list but do not qualify for either HELB loans or government scholarships, leaving students fully self-sponsored.
Public Universities Eligible for HELB and Government Scholarships
The following public universities qualify for both HELB funding and government scholarships, making them the most affordable options for students in 2026.
| Eligible Public Universities |
|---|
| University of Nairobi |
| Kenyatta University |
| Moi University |
| Egerton University |
| Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology |
| Maseno University |
| Masinde Muliro University of Science and Technology |
| Dedan Kimathi University of Technology |
| Chuka University |
| Pwani University |
| Kisii University |
| Maasai Mara University |
| Machakos University |
| Laikipia University |
| University of Eldoret |
| University of Embu |
| Meru University of Science and Technology |
| South Eastern Kenya University |
| Karatina University |
| Kirinyaga University |
| Kibabii University |
| Co-operative University of Kenya |
| Multimedia University of Kenya |
| Technical University of Kenya |
| Technical University of Mombasa |
| Murang’a University of Technology |
| Rongo University |
| Taita Taveta University |
| Tharaka University |
| Tom Mboya University |
| Garissa University |
| Kaimosi Friends University |
| Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology |
| Kabarnet University College |
| Bomet University College |
| Koitaleel Samoei University College |
| Turkana University College |
| Kenya University Mama Ngina University College |
| Alupe University |
| Nyandarua University College |
| Open University of Kenya |
These institutions offer the strongest financial support package under the Institutions Eligible for HELB and Government Scholarships framework.
TVET Colleges and Training Institutions Funding Status
KUCCPS places heavy emphasis on TVETs to support skills development and job creation. Funding eligibility varies depending on ownership and ministry oversight.
TVET institutions eligible for both HELB and government scholarships include
- 272 public TVET colleges under the Ministry of Education
- National polytechnics and technical institutes under education oversight
Institutions eligible for HELB loans only include
- 153 public colleges under other ministries
- Kenya Medical Training Colleges
Institutions not eligible for HELB or government scholarships
- 35 university-level TVET institutions
This classification pushes students to verify funding status before selecting TVET courses.
What the 2026 HELB Funding Increase Means for Students
The government recently increased the HELB annual budget from Ksh36 billion to Ksh41 billion for the 2025/2026 cycle. This Ksh5 billion increase strengthens the student-centered funding model and expands access to higher education.
The allocation breaks down as follows:
- Ksh13 billion for direct student tuition support
- Ksh16.9 billion directed to the Universities Fund for scholarships
- The remaining funds support upkeep loans and administrative costs
This expanded budget benefits students enrolled in institutions eligible for HELB and government scholarships, especially those in public universities and Ministry of Education TVET colleges.
Why This List Matters for 2026 Applicants
KUCCPS designed this classification to guide students and parents toward informed decisions. Choosing an ineligible institution can lock a student out of scholarships or loans, increasing financial pressure.
Students should
- Confirm institutional eligibility before applying
- Prioritise public universities and approved TVETs for maximum funding
- Understand that private universities offer HELB loans but no government scholarships
In 2026, funding follows policy, not preference. The official list of institutions eligible for HELB and government scholarships now defines access, affordability, and opportunity. Students who study it carefully will make smarter choices and avoid costly mistakes.
