Ruto’s Multibillion-Shilling Renovations Amid Scarcity Spark Outrage

President William Ruto’s government is facing sharp criticism following revelations of multibillion-shilling renovations at State House and other government residences, even as thousands of university students struggle with inadequate funding under the newly introduced higher education financing model.

The outrage comes amid reports that the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has already received over 4,600 appeals from university students who argue that they were unfairly categorized in the new funding model. The appeal portal was reopened on April 1 and will close on April 21.

Students across the country are calling on the government to prioritize funding for education rather than spending public funds on what they term as “luxury renovations.”

“How can the government afford billions for comfort while we’re struggling to even pay tuition and rent?” asked Kevin Otieno, a third-year university student in Kisumu.

The HELB funding crisis follows a Court of Appeal ruling in March that mandated the board to allow broader grounds for appeals and include public participation in the process. The ruling led to significant changes in the appeals mechanism. Students can now submit multiple reasons for their dissatisfaction, unlike the previous policy that only allowed one reason.

HELB CEO Geoffrey Monari acknowledged the changes, noting that they are meant to make the process more inclusive and transparent.

“Students can now list reasons such as the loss of a parent, chronic illness in the family, disability, or general financial hardship. We’re reviewing appeals based on this new information,” said Monari.

The government has also come under fire for delaying the release of funding to over 109,000 students who had applied for aid. These delays were caused by a High Court ruling in December 2024 that temporarily suspended the new funding model.

Meanwhile, reports of extravagant government spending on residential refurbishments have deepened the sense of frustration among young Kenyans, especially Gen Z activists who have been vocal about economic inequality and government priorities.

“This is a government that tells students to tighten their belts while they loosen theirs at our expense,” said Brenda Wanjiku, a student leader in Nairobi.

As the appeal deadline draws near, thousands of students remain in limbo, uncertain about their academic future and increasingly disillusioned with a system they feel is abandoning them.

With public confidence dwindling and protests looming, the government may soon be forced to confront the growing perception that its priorities are fundamentally out of touch with the needs of ordinary Kenyans.

In other news: Fred Matiang’i Jets Back to Kenya Amid 2027 Presidential Speculation

Ruto’s Multibillion-Shilling Renovations Amid Scarcity Spark Outrage