Babu Owino Sets Deadline for HELB Loans Release, Warns of Demonstrations
Babu Owino, member of parliament for Embakasi East, demanded that the Higher Education Loans Board immediately disburse funds to students.
In a video statement viewed by Kenyans, Owino stated that students are suffering because they lack funds to meet their needs
According to Owino, the students are experiencing hunger and frustration, which is preventing them from attending classes.
This situation has arisen due to the delayed release of HELB funds, which has left students unable to pay their fees. Additionally, students are struggling to afford basic necessities like food and accommodation, and they lack the funds for transportation.
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The lawmaker urged Treasury CS Prof. Ndung’u to collaborate with HELB and promptly discharge the funds.
Urging swift action, Owino called for the immediate disbursal of funds to students in different universities. He emphasized that the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) should ensure there are no delays in providing the funds.
“This funding is quite limited and insufficient, and any further delays are unwarranted,” Owino emphasized.
In addition, Owino urged student leaders across the nation to awaken and lobby for the release of the funds.
Owino pointed out that student leaders needed to be more proactive and not neglect the responsibilities entrusted to them by their constituents.
He urged them to take action, organize demonstrations, and engage in advocacy to address pressing issues affecting students.
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He urged the student leaders to take these steps to prevent further delays in the distribution of HELB funds. In addition, he warned against the destruction of property during demonstrations.
Owino advised students not to resort to damaging school or public property during their demonstrations.
Instead, he encouraged them to conduct peaceful and daily protests to make their voices heard and address their concerns effectively.
Before being elected to parliament, Owino was president of the Kenya Universities Students Organization (KUSO). During his tenure, HELB funds were released on time, he said.
Antony Manyara, the current president of KUSO, had previously stated that the Higher Education Loans Board had agreed to allocate the funds today, Friday, and pay the money by Monday of the following week.
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Manyara asserts he received validation of the fund release after speaking with the Education CS, the Honorable Ezekiel Machogu, and the University Education & Research PS, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala.
HELB refused to comment on the situation.
Babu Owino Sets Deadline for HELB Loans Release, Warns of Demonstrations
