The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has announced the opening of applications for a specialised loan targeting nurses and midwives seeking to further their education, with eligible applicants able to access up to KSh 500,000 in funding.
In a statement issued on Thursday, March 5, HELB revealed that the programme is being implemented with support from the Johnson & Johnson Foundation in partnership with AMREF Health Africa.
Details of the advanced nursing education loan
The initiative, known as the Advanced Nursing Education Loan, is designed to support nurses pursuing higher diplomas and specialised training programmes in accredited institutions across Kenya.
Successful applicants can receive up to KSh 500,000 at an annual interest rate of 4 percent. HELB noted that the facility offers fast processing, favourable interest terms and flexible repayment plans extending up to 60 months.
For employed applicants, loan repayment will be arranged through employer check-off systems, making it easier for salaried nurses to manage their instalments.
The funding is open to both pre-service students and practising nurses currently in employment. However, applications must be submitted by June 30, 2026.
Who qualifies?
Pre-service applicants may seek funding for higher diploma programmes. Salaried nurses, on the other hand, are eligible to apply for financing covering higher diplomas, undergraduate degrees, master’s programmes and PhDs in nursing and related specialisations.
Applicants are required to present an admission letter from an institution recognised by the Nursing Council of Kenya. They must also provide copies of their national ID, KRA PIN, a recent passport-size photo and identification documents for two employed guarantors.
Employed nurses must additionally submit copies of their latest three months’ payslips.
Application process
HELB clarified that the entire application process is conducted online via its official portal.
Interested candidates must first register and activate their accounts before selecting the “Advanced Nursing Education Fund” option under the loan section.
During profile creation, applicants are required to indicate their correct level of study — Higher National Diploma, degree or master’s — and confirm that they are not placed under the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
Once submitted, applicants will be able to monitor the progress of their applications directly through the portal.
The board emphasised that the programme aims to strengthen Kenya’s healthcare workforce by enabling more nurses and midwives to acquire advanced skills and specialised training.
