By Elvis Lagat
The ongoing standoff between the government, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), and the High Court continues to escalate, severely affecting students across Kenya. The crisis, which has now spilled over into widespread protests, is leaving many university students in a state of uncertainty as they face delays in the disbursement of crucial HELB loans.
The standoff began following a High Court ruling on December 20, 2024, which declared the government’s new higher education funding model unconstitutional. The court ordered a halt to its implementation until it meets the necessary legal requirements, leaving thousands of students caught in a financial limbo.
At the heart of the crisis are students like Mary Atieno, a third-year Economics student at Maseno University. With just one year left to complete her degree, Mary is now at risk of being locked out of her education. “I have been surviving on the little money I get from side jobs, but now I can’t even afford food or rent,” Mary says, her voice shaking with frustration. The delay in HELB loan disbursement has left her unable to register for classes or sit for exams, jeopardizing her academic future.
Similarly, at Kenyatta University, Brian Otieno, an aspiring teacher, is grappling with the harsh reality of unpaid tuition fees. Forced to plead with lecturers to allow him to sit for exams on credit, Brian faces a grim prospect. “Some lecturers have been kind, but the school administration is firm – no fees, no exams,” Brian explains. If the crisis continues, he fears he may have no choice but to defer his studies.
The financial instability has sparked widespread protests, with students taking to the streets in several universities across the country. On Monday, January 3, university students staged demonstrations, demanding the immediate release of HELB funds to allow them to continue with their studies. The protests have gained momentum as more students voice their concerns over the uncertainty of their futures.
The ongoing crisis has placed immense pressure on students who rely on HELB loans to fund their education. For many, higher education is seen as the pathway to a better life, but for thousands, this dream now hangs in the balance. The prolonged delays in the disbursement of funds are forcing students to make impossible choices between their education and basic survival.
As the situation intensifies, students and university administrators alike are calling for swift action to resolve the standoff. However, until the legal issues surrounding the new funding model are addressed, the fate of thousands of Kenyan university students remains uncertain. The government, HELB, and the judiciary are under growing pressure to find a solution that will allow students to access the necessary funds to continue their education.
For now, students like Mary and Brian are left to navigate the uncertainty, hoping for a resolution that will allow them to complete their studies and secure a brighter future.
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