President Ruto Directs HELB Disbursement by Friday, Warns Officials Over Delays
Thousands of students relying on government funding through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) will receive their pending allocations by the end of the week, President William Ruto has announced. This will come as a relief to beneficiaries who have struggled with financial strain due to delayed disbursements.
“Today, the Head of Public Service is handling the matter, and I have instructed them to ensure that the money reaches the students’ accounts by Friday so that everyone can have their resources,” he said on Wednesday.
Holding Officials Accountable
The President also issued a stern warning to those responsible for the disbursement, stating that he would personally hold them accountable if the money was not sent as promised.
“If that money has not been reflected in your accounts by then, you can reach out to me. There are people I will have to hold responsible for the same,” Ruto added.
He acknowledged that the government had encountered challenges in releasing the funds, which had contributed to the delays.
“There has been a problem with HELB. Yesterday, I had a meeting with the CS in charge to address the challenges that had been affecting the system,” he explained.
Student Protests Over Delays
The delay in HELB disbursements has triggered student protests in recent months. On February 3, Kenyatta University students blocked sections of Thika Road, rendering parts of the highway impassable as they demonstrated over the delayed funds.
At the same time, University of Nairobi students stormed HELB headquarters at Anniversary Towers, demanding a timeline for the release of their allocations.
HELB plays a crucial role in supporting higher education in Kenya, providing financial aid to about 180,000 students annually. A successful applicant typically receives between Sh35,000 and Sh60,000 per year.
With President Ruto’s directive, students across the country will be eagerly watching to see if the government delivers on its promise by Friday.
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President Ruto Directs HELB Disbursement by Friday, Warns Officials Over Delays