In a much-awaited update, the Kenya University Students’ Organization (KUSO) has assured university students that the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) disbursement is on track following a meeting with Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Julius Ogamba and Principal Secretary (PS) for Higher Education, Dr. Beatrice Inyangala.
Highlights
- KUSO leadership met with Education CS Julius Ogamba and PS Beatrice Inyangala to discuss HELB disbursement delays.
- Treasury has already released the funds, which have reflected in the Ministry of Education’s account.
- Students can expect the disbursement of HELB funds within the next one to two days.
KUSO’s efforts to address HELB delays
Led by KUSO President Antony Manyara, the National Governing Council (NGC) team, together with several university leaders, held discussions with the CS and PS earlier today. The purpose of the meeting was to address the delay in disbursement of HELB funds, which has caused immense pressure on students across the country.
During the meeting, the CS and PS confirmed that the Treasury successfully released funds on Sunday, October 13, 2024.As of today, those funds have already reflected in the Ministry of Education’s account, making it possible for the processing and disbursement of all pending HELB batches to commence.
The CS and PS stated that students should receive the funds within the next one to two days. This confirmation brings relief to many students who have eagerly waited for their loans, as they rely on these funds for their academic and personal needs.
KUSO emphasized that they are committed to advocating for the welfare of university students and ensuring that such delays are minimized in the future.
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KUSO’s Message of Unity and Resilience
In the official statement from KUSO Spokesperson Kisero Junior Kennedy, the organization expressed its gratitude to students for their patience and solidarity during this challenging time. Kennedy highlighted the importance of staying united in the face of adversity, drawing inspiration from Malcolm X’s words, “When ‘I’ is replaced with ‘we’, even illness becomes wellness.”
KUSO reassured all university students that they will continue to fight for their rights and well-being. The leadership remains determined to engage with relevant stakeholders to ensure that issues affecting students are resolved promptly.
With the funds now reflecting in the Ministry’s account, students can finally breathe a sigh of relief, knowing that the long-awaited HELB disbursement will soon be available. KUSO has played a crucial role in ensuring that students’ voices were heard and has vowed to continue working tirelessly to represent their interests.
The next few days will be critical for students awaiting HELB funds, but with the assurance from the Ministry of Education, they can now expect the disbursement process to be completed shortly.
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Brief Description of HELB
The Higher Education Loans Board, HELB, is the leading financier of higher education in Kenya. It is a state corporation under the then Ministry of Higher Education, Science, and Technology.
HELB was established by an Act of Parliament (Cap 213A) in 1995. Additionally, the mandate of the Board is to disburse loans, bursaries, and scholarships to students pursuing higher education in recognized institutions. Moreover, HELB provides affordable loans, bursaries, and scholarships to Kenyans pursuing higher education.
Key among the responsibilities of the Board is sourcing funds, establishing, managing, and awarding loans, bursaries, and scholarships to Kenyans pursuing higher education in recognized institutions. Through the Act, the Board has been able to recover funds loaned out to Kenyans in the past.