This is How First Years Will Receive Their HELB Loans Next Week, Machogu
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu has said that First Year students in institutions of higher learning will start receiving funds on Tuesday, November 7, 2023.
Machogu said that the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has finalized the processing of loans for First Year students in universities and technical and vocational education and training (TVETs) under the New Higher Education Funding Model.
“The Ministry wishes to inform successful applicants that the funds will be disbursed to their respective universities and student accounts starting November 7,” the CS said in a statement.
He urged students to ensure that their bank details, as provided in the application for the loans, are correct and up-to-date.
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Students have been threatening to stage countrywide demonstrations to push for the release of funds.
A section of student leaders drawn from various universities and TVETs last week decried what they described as untold suffering for thousands of vulnerable first-year students who are yet to receive funds under the new funding model two months after they reported to school.
On Thursday, Machakos University students made good on this threat and took to the streets to protest the delay.
Police were forced to lob teargas canisters to disperse the demonstrating students and restore order in Machakos town.
Similarly, the Universities Academic Staff Union (UASU), Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT), and Kenya Union of Post-Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) have been demanding the immediate release of capitation for First Years in universities to save them from imminent collapse.
They raised concerns over the privatization and commercialization of education in the wake of delayed funding to public learning institutions, inadequacy, and irregular disbursements of funds in the sector.
In a joint statement presented last week by UASU Secretary General, Dr Constantine Wasonga, the unions said the government has elaborate and well-documented financing of education policies and strategies, but implementing these macro-policies.
“Delays in funding disbursement have led to low participation rates, the registration of courses, and students’ inability to attend classes on time.
“It is important to ensure that the education calendar is aligned to the fiscal year in addition to the introduction of an equity funding model at all levels of education with the aim of enhancing equitable access to quality and inclusive education,” Wasonga said.
Wasonga said the government must disburse funds allocated for education in a consistent and timely manner to avoid financial crises in learning institutions.
