University students hail the state for the release of Sh3.2 billion HELB funds

University student leaders have lauded the government for releasing Sh3.2 billion through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), providing much-needed financial relief to thousands of students who depend on the funding for their upkeep.

The disbursement, allocated will benefit approximately 180,000 students, who will each receive between Sh 40,000 and Sh 60,000.

This comes as a crucial intervention, following delays that had left many struggling to meet their daily expenses.

Rocha Madzao, the University of Nairobi student leader, expressed gratitude to President William Ruto for his intervention in ensuring the timely release of the funds for first- and second-year university students under the 2024/2025 academic year.

“As student leaders, we extend our sincere gratitude to the Head of State for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare of university students across the country,” said Madzao. “This vital intervention ensures that many of us can continue our education without unnecessary financial burdens.”

Last week, Madzao had expressed frustrations which students in universities go through because of the delayed funding.

“We have rent arrears, we can’t afford meals, and our academic progress is at risk. For over a month, we have been taken in circles,” said Madzao.

A report presented to the National Assembly’s Education Committee last year indicates that 234,811 students admitted to universities in 2023 and 2024 are benefiting from the government’s new funding model.

Data shows that 113,075 students applied for funding in 2023, with applications rising to 121,736 in 2024.

However, in November, Geoffrey Monari, Chief Executive Officer of the University Fund Board, revealed that disbursement to universities had been halted in compliance with a court order.

“We are complying with the court orders, and as long as the order is in place, the implementation of the new funding model cannot go on, including the disbursement of the funds,” Monari stated, signaling an ongoing legal stalemate.

The latest release follows mounting pressure from university students, who staged a day-long protest at HELB offices demanding immediate disbursement of their loans, which had been delayed for several months. The demonstrations escalated as frustrated students attempted to force their way into the offices, calling for urgent action.

Following the protests, HELB Lending Manager King’ori Ndegwa assured students that the government had opted to reintroduce the old funding model, known as the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC), while awaiting the court ruling.

“For the last two weeks, we have been trying to find the best way to make payments, and we have now decided to pay students under the old funding model,” said Ndegwa.

This decision means that first- and second-year students will now receive funding under the DUC model, similar to their third-year counterparts.

Madzao emphasized that while students understand the financial challenges facing the country, many rely on these funds to pursue their education.

“The funds will provide much-needed financial relief to countless students pursuing their academic dreams. This vital intervention will ensure that all students regardless of their banding are financed,” he said.

The student leaders further noted that the funds would cushion students from financial struggles, allowing them to focus on their academic pursuits without unnecessary disruptions.

“By facilitating access to higher education funding, this gesture empowers students to focus on their studies, contribute to society, and ultimately build the country’s economy,” he said.