Thousands of university students in Kenya are facing an education crisis due to delayed disbursements from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB. The delay has left many unable to pay tuition, register for classes or afford basic needs and unrest in many institutions.
HELB Delays Leave Students in Desperation
For many university students, HELB loans are their only source of financial support. But the ongoing delays have left them in limbo, struggling to pay rent, buy food or access exams.
- Mary Atieno, a third-year Economics student at Maseno University says she is on the verge of dropping out:“I have been surviving on side jobs but now I can’t even afford food or rent. Without my HELB loan I am locked out of my university portal and can’t sit for exams.”
- Brian Otieno, a Kenyatta University student training to be a teacher shares similar frustration:“I have been forced to beg my lecturers to let me sit for exams on credit. Some have been kind but the administration is firm – no fees no exams.”
- Fatuma Hassan, a first-year student at Moi University is now totally dependent on relatives after the promised financial aid failed to materialise:“My parents are already struggling to support my younger siblings. If I don’t get this money soon I don’t know how I will continue.”
What caused the HELB funding crisis?
The root of the crisis is a December 20, 2024 High Court ruling that declared the new university funding model unconstitutional. The court barred its implementation until it meets the legal requirements and caused delays in financial aid disbursement.
This ruling forced HELB to revert to the old Differentiated Unit Cost (DUC) model but the transition has been slow and students are paying the price.
University Unrest and Protests
Furious with the delay, students in public universities went on protest on January 3, 2025 demanding immediate release of funds.
In some institutions lecturers boycotted exams in solidarity with affected students. The crisis has also led to increased tension between student leaders and university administrators.
MP Njeri Maina Demands Action Now
In response to the crisis **Kirinyaga Woman Representative Njeri Maina has called for government intervention.
In Parliament she asked the Education Committee to provide a timeline for disbursement and breakdown of the funds allocated.
“It’s unfair that students are being denied their right to education due to government defects. The Ministry of Education must act now to solve this crisis.”
HELB Crisis Breaches Constitutional Right
Maina said the HELB delays are a breach of Article 43(1) of the Constitution which provides the right to education for all Kenyans.
She also demanded the Ministry of Education to outline measures to prevent future delays so that students don’t face similar disruptions in the coming semesters.
What’s Next?
With thousands of students still in limbo the government’s response will be the fate of their education.