Student loans have become increasingly important in the financing of higher education in developingrncountries. The objectives of this study are; i) to analyze the performance of the student loan scheme in Kenya, ii) to find out the characteristics of the beneficiaries and iii) determine the extent of government subsidy to the programme. The data used was extracted from records of the loans board and loan application forms.rnThe methods of analysis were adapted from Albrecht and Ziderman (1995) for the calculation of thernsubsidy and loss to government, and Scott Long (1997) for the multinomial logistic estimation of the bursary and loan award determinants. Analysis for the determinants of loan and bursary award was done in two parts. The first part employed simple cross tabulation while the second part involved regression analysis. The results of the estimation indicated that region, income, expenditure, family status (orphaned) and number of siblings were significant in explaining the variations in amount of loan and/or bursary that a student would be awarded. Other important variables were residence (rural or urban) and fatherâ€™s education.rnThe challenges to the management of the loan scheme include addressing issues of equity andrnefficiency in funding universities, enhancing cost recovery and tapping of additional financial sourcesrnother than the government. A number of policy recommendations arise from the conclusions. First,rnresources should be directed to the most important fields of study. Second, students from the urban poorrnshould be given equal consideration as those from the rural areas in accessing funds for higherrneducation. Third, policies that encourage female students to enroll in the traditionally male-dominatedrncourses must be implemented to promote equity. Fourth, the means testing mechanism should berntightened to ensure that only those who deserve loans and bursaries benefit. Lastly, financial assistancernshould be strictly directed to the most needy students.