The Ministry of Education has confirmed that Ksh3.2 billion has been released to support the upkeep of first-year and second-year university students for the 2024/2025 academic year.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba made the announcement on Tuesday evening, just a day after university students staged demonstrations demanding the immediate release of their funds. Ogamba confirmed that the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) had already disbursed the money to students’ accounts.
According to a notice seen by newshub.co.ke, each eligible student will receive an amount ranging between Ksh40,000 and Ksh60,000.
“The Government successfully disbursed a total of Ksh3.32 billion by January 31, 2025, to cater for first-year and second-year university students under the 2024/2025 Academic Year. The funds, distributed through HELB, are meant to cover students’ upkeep,” CS Ogamba stated.
He further clarified that these funds had already been allocated in the July 2024 budget as part of the government’s financial planning for the current financial year.
Protests Over Delayed Disbursement
The disbursement of the funds comes just two days after frustrated university students stormed the HELB offices at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi, demanding that the funds be released without further delays.
Angered by the prolonged wait for their loans, the students overpowered security personnel at the building and attempted to force their way into HELB offices.
Police officers were quickly deployed to control the situation, dispersing the protesters and preventing any disruptions to businesses in the Nairobi Central Business District (CBD).
Meanwhile, another group of students from Kenyatta University staged their own protest by blocking a section of Thika Road for several hours. This caused major traffic disruptions, forcing motorists to use alternative routes.
HELB’s Response to the Delay
Following the unrest, HELB’s lending manager, King’ori Ndegwa, was compelled to address the concerns raised by the students. He explained that the delay had been caused by an ongoing case at the High Court, which had temporarily affected the disbursement process.
Ndegwa assured the students that the funds would be released before the end of the week, using the previous loan disbursement model.
Additionally, he confirmed that a total of Ksh3 billion had already been allocated to address the financial needs of students. However, he noted that only 180,000 students had been directly affected by the recent delays.
With the funds now disbursed, students can finally access their loans to cater for their expenses, bringing relief to thousands of learners who depend on the financial support to sustain their education.
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