Kenya: Big win for 'regular' university students on Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans

The National Assembly has approved amendments to the law on Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) making it mandatory for the board to give money to all Government-sponsored students in public universities.

If HELB rejects any loan application, they have to explain why and give proof.

Mr Irungu Kang’ata (Kiharu) said the priority in the disbursement of loans of between Sh35,000 and Sh60,000 should be given to ‘regular students’.

Kiharu MP Irungu Kang'ata addresses a press conference at Parliament on amendment to Elections Act,2011. (PHOTO: BONIFACE OKENDO/STANDARD)

The money is meant for tuition, books, stationery, accommodation and daily subsistence. Masters students get Sh200,000 while those pursuing doctorates get Sh450,000.

Students in public and private universities and in tertiary colleges can apply. All regular Government-sponsored undergraduate students in the universities shall upon application of the loan be entitled to an award of the loan unless the Board is able to provide documentary evidence of student’s ability to pay fees without the loan,” reads the HELB (Amendment) Bill 2015.

Kang’ata, supported by Timothy Wanyonyi (Westlands), Amina Abdalla (nominated) and Nicholas Gumbo (Rarieda), said Government-sponsored students from poor families must get priority.

“It is very clear majority of regular students are poor. They are there by virtue of having performed well in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. You have to protect them,” said Kang’ata.

“The amendments are going to ensure that poor applicants benefit. We have many poor students who don’t get loans and no reasons given on why they were denied,” Ms Abdalla said.

Gumbo added: “There’s an orphan in a school I began four years ago who got an A- (minus). We need such students to get priority”.

In another amendment, loan beneficiaries will pay the four per cent annual interest charged on the loan only after getting a job. However, they will have to swear an affidavit every year confirming their inability to pay.

MPs Dalmas Otieno (Rongo) and Isaac Mwaura (nominated) opposed amendment saying it was discriminatory. “Why discriminate private sponsored students?