Government Announces New HELB Disbursement Dates

President William Ruto has moved to reassure thousands of students awaiting government funding through the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), promising that all pending allocations will be released by the end of this week.

Speaking on the third day of his four-day working tour in Nairobi County, the President announced PC Kinyanjui Technical Training Institute in Dagoretti, offering a much-needed relief to students who have been anxiously waiting for their funds.

Ruto stated that the government had completed all necessary discussions to ensure the timely release of funds, which would reach students’ accounts no later than Friday.

He disclosed that he had personally engaged in high-level deliberations with Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei to address the delays that have plagued the disbursement process.

“I have had discussions with the Head of Public Service and the Education Cabinet Secretary. Today, they are handling the matter, and I have instructed them to ensure that the money is sent out by Friday. Every student should have their resources in their accounts,” President Ruto affirmed.

Read Also: How To Check If Your HELB Loan Is Disbursed, Application Status

The Head of State issued a stern warning to those responsible for overseeing the disbursement, making it clear that he would personally ensure accountability if the funds were not released as promised.

“If that money is not reflected in your accounts by Friday, reach out to me. There are individuals who will have to take responsibility for any further delays,” Ruto asserted.

Acknowledging the struggles students have endured due to the financial delay, the President admitted that the government had been facing challenges in disbursing the funds efficiently.

He assured that his administration was actively working to rectify the situation and prevent such disruptions in the future.

“There have been issues with HELB, and I met with the CS to address the challenges affecting the system. We are committed to ensuring that students do not have to struggle to access funds that are meant for their education,” he emphasized.

The prolonged delay in HELB disbursements has in the past triggered widespread student protests across the country, as learners voiced their frustrations over financial hardships.

University students, particularly from public institutions, have been at the forefront of demonstrations demanding immediate action from the government.

On February 3, students from Kenyatta University took to the streets, blocking both sides of the busy Thika Road in protest over loan delays. The unrest brought traffic to a standstill, causing massive disruptions and drawing public attention to the crisis.

Simultaneously, their counterparts from the University of Nairobi stormed the HELB headquarters at Anniversary Towers, demanding clear communication on when their funds would be disbursed

HELB plays a crucial role in financing higher education for thousands of Kenyan students. Each year, HELB provides loans to approximately 180,000 students enrolled in various institutions across the country.

A successful loan applicant typically receives between Ksh35,000 and Ksh60,000 annually, helping cover tuition fees, accommodation, and other essential expenses.

For many students from low-income backgrounds, HELB funding is a lifeline that allows them to pursue their studies without financial strain. However, recurrent delays in disbursement have often left learners struggling to pay for their basic needs, leading to increased dropout rates and academic disruptions.

President Ruto’s firm stance on ensuring accountability in the disbursement process signals a renewed commitment by his administration to address systemic issues within the education financing sector.

With the promise of funds being released by Friday, thousands of students can now breathe a sigh of relief and focus on their studies without the looming uncertainty of financial instability.

The government’s handling of this issue will undoubtedly set a precedent for how future disbursements are managed. As students eagerly await the fulfillment of this pledge, all eyes will be on the responsible government agencies to see if they deliver on the President’s directive.

Read Also: HELB Opens Loans And Bursary Application For Students, How To Apply