HELB Fund Delays Spark Protests as University Students Take to the Streets
On Tuesday, university students in Rongai protested the delayed release of Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds by taking to the streets.
The students sang as they blocked the primary entrance to Ongata Rongai Town, Kajiado County, by blocking Magadi Road.
They lit tires and bonfires while chanting phrases such as “the struggle continues,” indicating their unrelenting drive for action.
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Security personnel were forced to use tear gas to disperse the crowds after students engaged them in running battles.
Even though the government promised to release HELB funds on time, students from low-income households have endured unimaginable anguish due to delays in the funds’ release.
The months-long outcry drew the attention of national leaders, such as Embakasi East MP Babu Owino, who demanded that the government release funds to cushion students from harsh economic realities.
Recently, Owino stated that students are suffering due to a lack of funds to meet their requirements.
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According to Babu, comrades are experiencing hunger and frustration simultaneously. Students are unable to attend classes due to the delayed release of HELB funds, which makes it impossible for them to pay their fees.
They are also facing difficulties purchasing food and securing accommodation due to the lack of funds. Additionally, students are struggling to afford transportation expenses.
The lawmaker urged Treasury CS Professor Ndung’u to collaborate with HELB and promptly discharge the funds.
“Move quickly, and discharge the amount of time you’ve chosen to live. HELB should never be late.
He remarked, “This sum of money is minuscule and never sufficient, and you are delaying its distribution.”
The current president of the Kenya Universities Students Organization (KUSO), Antony Manyara, previously reported that the Higher Education Loans Board had agreed to allocate the funds this week.
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HELB Fund Delays Spark Protests as University Students Take to the Streets
