HELB Reinstates Old Funding Model Amid Student Pressure
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has reinstated the old funding model following relentless pressure from students. The decision comes as the organization awaits a High Court ruling on the Student-Centred Funding Model, which was previously introduced to replace the older system.
Students in their first and second years will now receive financial aid under the Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model, similar to their third-year counterparts. HELB Lending Manager King’ori Ndegwa confirmed that the government has released Ksh 7 billion, though thousands of students are still waiting for their funds.
Ndegwa explained that HELB had been evaluating payment methods for the last two weeks before settling on the old funding model. However, over 180,000 students are yet to receive their financial support, prompting growing frustration.
Student Protests Intensify Over HELB Delays
The decision by HELB follows increasing pressure from university students, particularly those from the University of Nairobi (UoN). Agitated by the prolonged loan disbursement delays, students stormed the HELB headquarters at Anniversary Towers, demanding immediate action.
According to student leader Rocha Madzao, many students were struggling to meet their basic needs due to the delays. They complained about rent arrears, lack of meals, and the risk of missing academic sessions due to financial constraints.
“For more than a month, we have been told funds were released, yet we have not received anything. We are suffering, and this is unacceptable,” Madzao stated.
Government’s Response and Court Ruling Impact
The protests came after a seven-day ultimatum issued by UoN students on January 14, warning of mass demonstrations if the issue was not addressed. The government has attributed the delay to a court ruling that halted the implementation of the new funding model.
HELB’s Ndegwa stated that the organization was working tirelessly to ensure that all pending disbursements were made as soon as possible. However, he noted that ongoing budgetary constraints and difficulties in recovering loans from past beneficiaries had slowed down the process.
The government has since appealed the court ruling and is awaiting a final decision. Meanwhile, HELB has assured students that funds will be disbursed promptly to ease the growing financial burden on learners.
Frustration Mounts Despite HELB’s Assurances
Despite assurances from HELB, student frustration remains high. Many learners continue to express their dissatisfaction, warning of further protests if their financial aid is not released soon.
Police intervened during the demonstrations to control the situation and prevent further disruptions within the Central Business District (CBD). However, students vowed to continue their fight until the funds were reflected in their accounts.
The delays have significantly affected thousands of students who rely on HELB for tuition, accommodation, and daily expenses. With exams approaching, many fear that financial uncertainty could hinder their academic progress.
HELB Faces Pressure to Streamline Loan Disbursement
Students have urged HELB and the government to streamline the loan disbursement process and ensure that similar delays do not occur in the future. Calls for transparency and efficiency in handling student loans have intensified.
HELB has acknowledged the frustrations caused by the delays and has committed to resolving the issue as swiftly as possible. The organization has encouraged students to remain patient as they work on finalizing payments.
With the reinstatement of the old funding model, students hope for timely disbursement of loans to facilitate their education. However, concerns remain over the sustainability of the model and the future of student financing in Kenya.
As the country awaits the High Court ruling, the outcome will determine whether the Student-Centred Funding Model will be implemented or if the DUC model will continue. Until then, students remain vigilant, demanding timely and adequate financial support from HELB.
