Students to protest over Helb loans

Kenya: University students have threatened to call for nationwide demonstrations on Friday to protest failure by the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) to remit loans into their bank accounts.

Through the Kenya University Students Organisation (Kuso), the students claim that the board has failed to remit millions of shillings, subjecting thousands of them to suffering and economic hardships.

Kuso officials led by chairman Babu Owino addressed a press conference at the Technical University of Kenya and said efforts to have Helb disburse the loans had failed to bear fruit.

"The Helb management has failed to deposit money into our accounts despite calls, pleas, meetings, concessions and request from the students. As a result, most students have been unable to start their classes due to lack of fees and this is causing disharmony," Kuso said in its statement.

Kuso wants Education Cabinet Secretary Joseph Kaimenyi held responsible for the situation, saying he has failed to compel Helb to heed their calls. The officials said they had already informed the police of their intention to hold the demos and asked the public to keep off major roads during the protest.

"We have successfully informed the police of our Friday protest to Helb offices at Anniversary Towers. Fortunately, they have agreed to provide security to all students who'll participate in the peaceful protest," said the statement.

Others who addressed the Press were Charles Juma (secretary general), Mechack Achola (organising secretary) and University of Nairobi students' organisation deputy president Irene Kendi. Achola blamed political leaders for ignoring the plight of students.