Azimio MPs Push for Return to Previous HELB Model, Wants End to New Funding Model
A group of opposition lawmakers wants to stop the new university financing model, arguing that it is unsustainable because it discriminates against low-income students.
The legislators stated at a press briefing in the Parliament’s media center that there is already a crisis resulting from the model in which need-based scholarships are awarded to students.
Babu Owino, the MP for Embakasi East, inquired about the criteria by which the government would determine the need for students and called for a return to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funding model.
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Babu Owino questioned the criteria for determining neediness, emphasizing that even a teacher with five children, despite having a salary, could still qualify as needy due to the financial challenges of educating their children.
He further expressed concerns that the increasing costs of education might result in over 800,000 students being unable to access higher education opportunities.
Babu acknowledged that President William Ruto’s educational background played a significant role in shaping his political career.
He highlighted the pivotal role of education policies and initiatives introduced by previous presidents, such as President Daniel Moi’s era, which featured substantial educational support akin to grants.
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In addition, they highlighted President Mwai Kibaki’s implementation of free primary education and President Uhuru Kenyatta’s endeavors to improve the efficiency of the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) as contributing to Ruto’s political stature.
Attending were Azimio MPs Anthony Oluoch (Mathare), Mark Mwenje (Embakasi West), Jared Okello (Nyando), and Renee Mayaka (nominated).
In addition to extensive legal reforms, Wiper Leader Kalonzo Musyoka and National Assembly Majority Leader Kimani Ichung’wah presented a memorandum to the National Dialogue Committee that includes the Helb proposal.
Among the proposed changes is an amendment to Article 115 of the Constitution requiring the president to garner two-thirds of MPs to reverse a House of Representatives decision.
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In order to override the president’s memorandum if they refuse to sign a bill, the current law mandates that the House must increase this number.
Mwenje stated that the provision was unconstitutional because it violated the principle of separation of powers by allowing the president to legislate.
The Deputy Minority Whip of the National Assembly stated, “The amendment will ensure that Parliament is independent and able to legislate on issues because we are the representatives of the people.”
In addition, the lawmakers want an amendment that would limit the employment of a single ethnic group in the public sector to 30%. They demanded an audit of the public sector to determine its ethnic makeup.
“The report of the audit should be forwarded to Parliament with recommendations on how to rectify ethnic imbalance,” according to Okello.
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In their petition, the members of parliament also request a review and dismissal of cases involving individuals detained during anti-government demonstrations.
Furthermore, Oluoch put forward a proposal to submit arrest warrants for members of parliament to the National Assembly Speaker, emphasizing the need to respect the institution of Parliament.
Mathare MP emphasized the importance of respecting the rights of arrested individuals.
MPs want the Treasury to become an independent agency and for schools to prioritize mental health.
Mayaka stressed the importance of incorporating guidance and counseling into the curriculum and emphasized the need for the government to prioritize mental health.
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Azimio MPs Push for Return to Previous HELB Model, Wants End to New Funding Model
