Helb loans extended to students studying abroad

By Kiplang’at Jeremiah

The Higher Education Loans Board will advance loans to students studying in universities outside Kenya but within East Africa beginning this year.

Higher Education Minister, Sally Kosgey announced the move on Friday. "The financial support that has been available only to students in local universities will be extended to Kenyan students in universities in East Africa," she said.

In a statement read on her behalf by Assistant Minister for Higher Education, Asman Kamama, she said plans are underway to allocate more funds to the Loans Board.

Self-sponsored

The loans, which had been available only for students, admitted to public universities through the Joint Admissions Board (Jab) was extended last year to self sponsored and private university students.

According to Kosgey, the move enabled more Kenyans to access higher education.

"Increased financial support for loans, bursaries and scholarships to university students has ensured a steady increase in the number of Kenyans with university qualifications including bachelors, masters and doctorate degrees," the minister said.

Following the success, the ministry has extended the loans to students in East Africa, said the minister.

Students enrolled in universities in Uganda, Tanzania, Rwanda and Burundi would benefit from the money to be offered by Helb.