HELB has announced it will go back to the old model for first and second year students. This comes after delays and protests from students, particularly from UoN and Kenyatta University who stormed HELB offices in Anniversary Towers, Nairobi demanding their funds.
Impact of Delayed Funding and Protests
Students have expressed frustration over delayed HELB loans which has left many unable to access their funds. For many students especially first and second year students the delay has meant being locked out of campus unable to meet essential expenses like tuition and accommodation.
Several protests were held with students from UoN and Kenyatta University marching to HELB offices in Nairobi demanding HELB to release the funds. According to the students the delays have caused serious disruptions to their academic and personal lives.
HELB Response and Reversion to Old Model
With mounting pressure, HELB has decided to go back to the differentiated unit cost model used to fund third and fourth year students for first and second year students as well. This model was the one used before the new funding framework was introduced in 2023 which has been met with controversy and legal challenges.
HELB’s Lending Manager, King’ori Ndegwa said HELB has already released KSh 3.1 billion of the funding. But about 180,000 students are still waiting to receive their funding. Ndegwa acknowledged the disruption caused by the delays but said efforts were being made to resolve the funding crisis.
New Funding Model
The new funding model introduced in 2023 was meant to address the rising costs of university education but has been met with controversy. A three-judge bench at the High Court declared the new model unconstitutional on December 20, 2024 citing it was discriminatory and did not address the financial needs of students. Kenya Human Rights Commission, Elimu Bora Working Group and other stakeholders had filed a petition seeking to have the model quashed, arguing it lacked public participation and fairness.After the court ruling, Education CS Julius Ogamba, Attorney General Dorcas Oduor and HELB officials have filed an appeal to reinstate the new model. The appeal is pending and the uncertainty for university students continues.
Funding Crisis and Implications
The funding crisis has worsened for many university students, some cannot pay fees, access learning materials or even attend classes. This is more critical for first and second year students who have borne the brunt of the delayed disbursements.
The protests have exposed the growing tension between students and HELB and calls for immediate reforms in the loan disbursement process. As the government sorts out the issues, students are left wondering about the sustainability of the funding.