Ogamba extends university, TVET funding application deadline to September 21
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba speaking during a press briefing in Nairobi.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba has extended the deadline for first-time university students and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainees to apply for government funding.
Ogamba announced that the Universities Fund and the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) had been directed to extend the application window to September 21, 2026, giving eligible students who missed the initial deadline more time to apply.
The initial application window closed on August 31, 2026, after the government received a total of 789,422 applications from students seeking tertiary education funding.
Ogamba cites missed deadline
In announcing the extension, Ogamba said the move was intended to accommodate eligible students and trainees who were unable to submit their applications within the initial period.
“Recognising that some eligible students and trainees may not have met the initial deadline on account of various causes, the Universities Fund and the Higher Education Loans Board have been directed to extend the application window for all eligible applicants, to 21st September, 2026,” Ogamba said.
He urged all eligible first-time applicants joining universities and TVET institutions to use the additional period to submit their funding applications.
“All eligible first time applicants in universities and TVETs are invited to promptly apply for funding within this extended window,” the CS said.
Ksh 22.12 billion already disbursed
The extension comes after the government disbursed Ksh22.12 billion in first semester or term funding to continuing university students and TVET trainees.
The funding is being administered under the government’s current Student-Centred Funding Model, which determines the level of financial assistance students receive based on their assessed needs.
Ogamba clarified that applications submitted by first-time applicants during the extended window would continue to be processed under the existing funding model.
New funding framework awaits Parliament
The CS further clarified that the government would introduce appropriate transitional mechanisms towards the Universal Access and Funding Framework (UAFF) once Parliament passes the Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill, 2026.
“For the avoidance of doubt, it is notified for the general information of the public that applications for funding for first time applicants will be considered and processed in accordance with the current Student-Centred Funding Model,” Ogamba said.
He added that appropriate transitional mechanisms to the Universal Access and Funding Framework would be implemented once Parliament passes the proposed legislation.
The extension offers thousands of students and TVET trainees who missed the August 31 deadline an opportunity to seek government financial support as they pursue higher and technical education.
Ogamba urged eligible applicants to apply promptly before the September 21 deadline to avoid missing out on the funding opportunity.
