HELB Addresses Delays in Funds Disbursement
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has yet to disburse funds to both new and continuing students attending higher education institutions.
Charles Ringera, the chief executive officer (CEO) of HELB, has assured the Ministry of Education that HELB is monitoring the disbursement, even as students in their first year continue to apply for funding until October 7th.
Ringera stated yesterday that they are still following up with the Ministry, which, in turn, is pursuing the Treasury for the release of funds. He noted that, at the moment, no funds have been disbursed to continuing students or new entrants.
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He made these remarks as Higher Education Principal Secretary Dr. Beatrice Inyangala urged university students to report institutions requiring a 7 percent payment of fees prior to admission.
She reassured, however, that the government has released an increased capitation to accommodate continuing students and to ensure that operations continue uninterrupted.
Inyangala assured that the Vice Chancellors had requested an enhanced three-month capitation to help them remain operational while they process the funds for the first-year students.
She emphasized their ongoing efforts to engage with Vice Chancellors and provide support in this regard.
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They made the remarks when they appeared before the National Assembly committee on education to present their views on the HELB (Amendment) Bill, 2022, and HELB (Amendment) Bill, 2023, both of which were sponsored by Machakos Women Representative Joyce Kamene.
In spite of a Ministry circular requiring higher education institutions to admit all first-year students while funding is processed, the MPs had demanded an explanation as to why students are being turned away for nonpayment of fees.
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HELB Addresses Delays in Funds Disbursement
