The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has unveiled the 2026 list of institutions eligible for government scholarships and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funding. This announcement provides important information for students seeking financial assistance for their tertiary education, highlighting which universities and colleges are approved for both scholarships and HELB loans.
A total of 42 public universities and the Open University of Kenya have qualified for both HELB loans and government scholarships. These institutions will serve as the primary beneficiaries of government-supported higher education financing, a move aimed at making education more accessible under President William Ruto’s administration.
In contrast, 30 private universities have been listed as eligible for HELB loans only. This means that students enrolling in these private institutions will not qualify for government scholarships, although they can still access financial aid through HELB.
Additionally, KUCCPS revealed that 272 public colleges offering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs are eligible for both HELB loans and government scholarships. This initiative seeks to strengthen the education system for skill-based courses and increase enrollment in technical institutions, further enhancing the country’s workforce development.
The announcement also includes 153 public colleges operating under various government ministries and the Kenya Medical Training Colleges (KMTC) that are approved for HELB loans only. However, 35 university-level TVET institutions have been excluded from both government scholarships and HELB loan eligibility, highlighting the need for further consideration of their funding needs.
The full list of public universities and institutions eligible for funding is extensive, including notable names such as the University of Nairobi, Kenyatta University, Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology, and Egerton University, among many others.
List of Public Universities Eligible for HELB & Govt Scholarship
- Multimedia University of Kenya
- Murang’a University of Technology
- Nyandarua University College
- Open University of Kenya
- Pwani University
- Rongo University
- South Eastern Kenya University
- Taita Taveta University
- Technical University of Kenya
- Technical University of Mombasa
- Tharaka University
- Tom Mboya University
- Turkana University College
- University of Eldoret
- University of Embu
- University of Kabianga
- University of Nairobi
- Alupe University
- Bomet University College
- Chuka University
- Co-operative University of Kenya
- Dedan Kimathi university of technology
- Egerton University
- Garissa University
- Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
- Jomo kenyatta University of Agriculture and technology
- Kabarnet University College
- Kaimosi Friends University
- Karatina University
- Kenyatta University
- Kenya University- Mama Ngina University College
- Kibabii University
- Kirinyaga University
- Kisii University
- Koitaleel Samoei University College
- Laikipia university
- Maasai Mara University
- Machakos university
- Maseno university
- Masinde muliro university of science & Technology
- Meru University of Science and Technology
- Moi University
The classification is meant to guide students and parents during the placement and application process, to ensure they make informed selections.
