HELB Loans to be Disbursed Next Week

Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has completed the loan processing for first-year university and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students under the New Higher Education Funding Model. The 2022 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) cohort will be the first to benefit from this new initiative.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, in a press statement issued today, encouraged students who had applied for the funding to ensure that their bank details, as provided in the loan application, are accurate and up to date.

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“The Higher Education Loans Board has finalized the processing of loans for first-year students in universities and TVETs under the New Higher Education Funding Model,” said Machogu, highlighting the government’s commitment to expanding access to higher education.

“We have been working diligently to ensure that deserving students receive the financial support they need to pursue their studies.” he added.

The application deadline for the loans was on October 7, and after an extensive evaluation process, the funds are set to be disbursed to the respective universities and student accounts starting Tuesday, November 7, 2023.

This development comes in response to recent protests by students at Machakos University who, just yesterday, staged a demonstration over the delay in disbursing the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds.

The students’ actions disrupted operations on the Machakos-Wote Road as they demanded the release of funds that were meant to cover their school fees and living expenses.

Ian Kibet, President of the Machakos University students’ body, expressed his frustration with the situation. “We are here as the students of Machakos University to demand what we were promised by the government. The demos will continue if they don’t do so immediately,” he warned.

His sentiments were echoed by Vice President Grace Maina, who raised concerns that some students might miss their final exams due to school fees arrears.

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In response to the demonstration, police were forced to use tear gas canisters to disperse the protesting students and restore order in Machakos town.

The Ministry of Education acknowledges the challenges faced by students at Machakos University and reassures all eligible students that the disbursal of funds under the New Higher Education Funding Model is on track.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing issues that affect students’ access to quality education.