HELB Addresses Speculation on Temporary Fund Suspension
On Wednesday, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) refuted rumors suggesting a temporary suspension of fund disbursement to students. In an official statement, the organization cautioned the public against misinformation and fraudulent activities.
HELB emphasized the importance of vigilance, source verification, and responsible information sharing. Notably, HELB dismissed a circulating letter on social media, supposedly signed by Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu, as false.
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Dated January 4, the letter advised students to discuss alternative fee payment methods with sponsors, parents, or guardians due to a purported suspension of the disbursing process. Allegedly, the decision was linked to the government’s financial challenges.
Some students, upon receiving this information, found themselves uncertain about how to proceed with their academic funding. Others questioned the delay in funding experienced in previous months, expressing their need for prompt disbursement.
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Meanwhile, a significant shift occurred in the university funding model in 2023, with the introduction of the Higher Education Financing (HEF) by CS Machogu in July. Under this new system, the government categorizes students as vulnerable, less vulnerable, or able, allocating funding percentages based on their financial situations.
President William Ruto declared in May 2023 that universities and TVETs would no longer receive block funding from the government in the form of capitation.
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HELB Addresses Speculation on Temporary Fund Suspension
