University Student Leaders Oppose Proposal To Reduce HELB By KSh 3.7b: "We Are Flabbergasted"

• Masai Naomi Chebet argued that the number of students joining universities has increased by nearly 200,000
• Her colleague, Ochieng' Ododa urged the government to retain the current allocation or increase it to accommodate the needs of all students
• The student leaders were reacting after the National Treasury announced plans to cut the HELB budget by 10% in the next financial year

Nancy Odindo, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, brings more than three years of experience covering politics, news, and feature stories across digital and print media in Kenya.

The Treasury's proposal for a KSh 3.7 billion budget cut to Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) beneficiaries in the upcoming 2024-2025 financial year has sparked concern.

Student leaders have voiced their opposition to the proposal through protests.

Protests erupt after proposal to cut HELB budget

Masai Naomi Chebet argued that the increasing number of students entering higher education, facilitated by lower entry requirements, necessitates an increase in funding to accommodate them and ease the financial burden on parents.

"The number of students being taken to the universities has increased by around 200,000. So if anything should be done, HELB funding ought to be increased to facilitate these extra students.''

She emphasised the importance of the government having comprehensive statistics on newly enrolled students and their financial needs before finalising any budget cuts to HELB.

''They should have all the statistics about the students they are taking into the universities and the amounts those learners require in the studies," said Chebet.

Her colleague, Ochieng' Ododa expressed surprise at the decision to cut funding without consulting student representatives, highlighting the need for greater transparency and inclusion in such decisions.

"Our only salary is HELB. We are flabbergasted and left in yonder and in wonder that the HELB amount will be reduced by the government. Why were we not called to the table so that we are told how these things are going to happen and affect students? We demand that the HELB should not be reduced! It better remain where it is or the amount is adjusted further," advised Ochieng'.

How much was HELB allocated in 2023/24?

In the current fiscal year, HELB received an allocation of KSh 37 billion to support numerous needy students in universities and colleges.

Despite this allocation, there were still significant delays in disbursement, leaving some students without the necessary funding.

If parliament approves this proposal, it will result in a 10% reduction, potentially exacerbating existing delays and impacting vulnerable students who rely on HELB support to pursue their education.

How many students will join universities in 2024?

Meanwhile, over 199,000 students who scored C+ and above in the previous Kenya Certificate and Secondary Education (KCSE) are preparing to join higher learning institutions.

Candidates must have crucial details, including their index numbers, examination dates, and birth certificate numbers, to check their placement on the KUCCPS portal.

Once they correctly key in all the details and follow the procedure as guided, they are provided with information on the selected university and courses they will pursue.

Proofreading by Nyambura Guthua, journalist and copy editor at TUKO.co.ke