Government releases Sh2.7 billion HELB funds

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu. [File, Standard]

The National Treasury on Friday, February 3 released Sh2.7 billion to benefit the beneficiaries of the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).

Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu said in a press statement that the funds will be used by some 180,000 students in public and private universities to offset tuition fees ahead of end of semester examinations.

"The funds have been sent to HELB for further disbursement to eligible students who are preparing to sit their end of semester examinations for the 2022/2023 Academic Calendar," said Machogu.

"I, therefore, wish to assure all the affected students that they will be eligible for registration ahead of the examinations. Further, I direct all universities to ensure that all beneficiaries of government loans and bursaries are given the opportunity to sit their end of semester examinations as scheduled," added the Cabinet Secretary.

Machogu's announcement came hours after the Kenya Universities Students' Organisation (KUSO), through its chairperson Jesse Saruni, said they'll engage in peaceful demonstrations countrywide to push the government to release the HELB funds, saying students risked to miss out on exams and subsequent graduations.