Geoffrey Monari has been appointed as the new Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) effective March 13, 2025. The announcement was made by HELB Board Chair, Ekwe Ethuro, who said Monari has experience, leadership and expertise in higher education financing.
Monari’s Profile
Monari is currently CEO of Universities Fund and has over 15 years of management experience. He has worked at HELB before as Chief Operations Officer from 2016 to 2020 before moving to lead Universities Fund as its first CEO.
He has MBA and Bachelor of Commerce degrees which will come in handy in navigating higher education financing challenges in Kenya.
Leadership Transition at HELB
Monari takes over from Charles Ringera who served as HELB CEO for 12 years before his contract ended. During the transition period, Shem Andrew Gichimu was the interim CEO.
Higher Education Financing Reforms
Monari’s appointment comes at a critical time as Kenya grapples with higher education funding challenges. Government is working on a proposal to merge HELB, Universities Fund and KUCCPS into one entity.
Cabinet has already approved the proposal and it is awaiting parliament approval before it becomes law. If implemented this will streamline higher education financing and placement services for students across the country.
Monari’s leadership at HELB will be key in managing this transition, ensuring students continue to receive financial support as the new system takes shape.