The Lower Eastern Times Opening The Third Eye
Related Articles
A group of students from the University of Nairobi (UoN) staged a protest at the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) offices at Anniversary Towers on Monday, demanding urgent action over delays in loan disbursements that have left many struggling to meet basic academic and living expenses.
The frustrated students attempted to force entry into the HELB building, expressing their anger over the prolonged wait for financial aid. The protest, which follows a previous seven-day ultimatum issued by UoN students on January 14, aimed to press the government to address the ongoing delays or face larger-scale demonstrations.
Click here to join our WhatsApp Channel
Police intervened swiftly, dispersing the protesters and securing the area to prevent disruptions in the Central Business District (CBD).
Many of the students are heavily reliant on HELB loans to cover tuition fees, accommodation, and daily necessities, and the delayed funds have put them under significant financial strain. One protester shared, “We have rent arrears, we can’t afford meals, and our academic progress is at risk. HELB is our lifeline, and these delays are unacceptable.”
HELB has explained that the delays are due to a combination of budgetary constraints, increased demand for loans, and challenges in recovering loans from previous borrowers.
Since its establishment in 1995, HELB has faced mounting criticism for recurrent disbursement delays, leading to growing unrest among students across multiple institutions. In response to the protests, HELB acknowledged the issues and assured students in a statement that efforts were underway to speed up the disbursement process. “We are aware of the frustrations caused by the delays and are working tirelessly to ensure the funds are released as soon as possible,” the statement read.
Despite these assurances, dissatisfaction remains widespread, with many students warning that they will escalate their protests if the issue is not resolved promptly. The situation has raised concerns about the long-term sustainability of the student loan program and has sparked calls for the government to prioritize funding for education to ensure the academic futures of students who depend on HELB.
