Band 2 — Who Qualifies and What You Actually Receive
Band 2 is for students from low income households.
Your family earns more than the Band 1 threshold but is still in a financially vulnerable position. The government still covers the majority of your fees. Your household contribution remains manageable.
Who qualifies for Band 2
Your household monthly income falls in the low income range above KSh 5,995 but still significantly below middle income levels. Your parents are in informal employment, small scale trade, or low wage formal jobs such as cleaners, watchmen, or factory workers. Your family owns a small piece of land but has no significant additional assets. Your household has several dependants making the income stretch thin. You come from a low income urban estate or a rural area with limited economic activity.
What Band 2 students receive
Scholarship from Universities Fund: 60 percent of your tuition fees. HELB tuition loan: 25 percent. Household contribution: 15 percent. HELB upkeep loan: KSh 55,000 per year.
A practical example
Your course costs KSh 120,000 per year. Universities Fund scholarship pays KSh 72,000. HELB tuition loan covers KSh 30,000. Your family pays KSh 18,000. Plus you receive KSh 55,000 in upkeep across the year.
The difference between Band 1 and Band 2 in real terms
Your family pays KSh 12,000 more per year than a Band 1 family on the same course. Your upkeep loan is KSh 5,000 less per year than Band 1.
These are meaningful differences for a low income family. If you genuinely believe your household falls in Band 1 rather than Band 2, use the appeals process with supporting documents.
What to do if you believe you qualify for Band 2
Document your household income accurately. Payslips if your parents are formally employed. A written declaration of income if they are informally employed. Evidence of household size and dependants.
The more clearly you demonstrate your household's financial reality, the more accurately the Means Testing Instrument places you.
Is your household income documentation ready for your HEF portal application?
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