KUCCPS Releases 2026 List of Institutions Eligible for HELB Loans and Government Scholarships

The Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) has released the 2026 list of universities and colleges eligible for government scholarships and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funding.

According to KUCCPS, a total of 42 public universities and the Open University of Kenya qualify for both government scholarships and HELB loans, making them the main beneficiaries of government-backed higher education financing under President William Ruto’s administration.

In contrast, 30 private universities are eligible for HELB loans only, meaning students admitted to these institutions will not receive government scholarships. KUCCPS also confirmed that 272 public colleges under the Ministry of Education offering Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) programs qualify for both government scholarships and HELB loans, aiming to strengthen TVET institutions, boost enrolment, and promote skills development.

Additionally, 153 public colleges under other government ministries, including Kenya Medical Training Colleges (KMTC), are approved for HELB loans only. KUCCPS also included 35 university-level TVET institutions, although they do not qualify for government scholarships or HELB loans.

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Public Universities Eligible for HELB Loans and Government Scholarships

1. Multimedia University of Kenya
2. Murang’a University of Technology
3. Nyandarua University College
4. Open University of Kenya
5. Pwani University
6. Rongo University
7. South Eastern Kenya University
8. Taita Taveta University
9. Technical University of Kenya
10. Technical University of Mombasa
11. Tharaka University
12. Tom Mboya University
13. Turkana University College
14. University of Eldoret
15. University of Embu
16. University of Kabianga
17. University of Nairobi
18. Alupe University
19. Bomet University College
20. Chuka University
21. Co-operative University of Kenya
22. Dedan Kimathi University of Technology
23. Egerton University
24. Garissa University
25. Jaramogi Oginga Odinga University of Science and Technology
26. Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
27. Kabarnet University College
28. Kaimosi Friends University
29. Karatina University
30. Kenyatta University
31. Kenya University – Mama Ngina University College
32. Kibabii University
33. Kirinyaga University
34. Kisii University
35. Koitaleel Samoei University College
36. Laikipia University
37. Maasai Mara University
38. Machakos University
39. Maseno University
40. Masinde Muliro University of Science & Technology
41. Meru University of Science and Technology
42. Moi University

KUCCPS emphasized that the classification is meant to guide students and parents during the placement and application process to ensure informed decisions about higher education options.

HELB Funding Boost

The announcement follows a recent government increase in HELB funding for the 2025/2026 budget cycle, raising the annual allocation from KSh 36 billion to KSh 41 billion. Of this, KSh 13 billion will go toward student tuition and upkeep, while KSh 16.9 billion will be allocated to the Universities Fund to support scholarships. The increase aims to expand access to higher education and support more students under the student-centred funding model.