Ruto allays HELB loan fears, says govt has allocated enough funds
Education
By
Eric Abuga
| Mar 23, 2023
The government has disbursed Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) funds to students across the county as part of the efforts to strengthen higher learning, this is according to President William Ruto.
Speaking at the Kisii National Polytechnic a few hours after after reports emerged that about 140,000 students missed the loans after Helb ran out of funds, President Ruto said that his administration had released funds to support the student loans.
"We allocated enough in the budget over the last two weeks. You, now, have money for Helb so that you can continue with your education without difficulties," said President Ruto.
President Ruto said his government is committed to ensuring that the education sector is strengthened and is keen to use it as a critical pillar to transform the country's economy.
According to the Head of State, the government will also hire 2,000 additional teachers for Technical and Vocational Education and Training colleges (TVETs) across the country.
At the polytechnic, the President commissioned a digital lab to enhance digital literacy among the youth.
More than 33 Technical and Vocational Training Institutes have so far received similar labs.
The President said the training would pave way for self-employment in the country.
"I want to ensure that we have created more than 1,000 jobs within one year. We will change the region and the country."
Ruto said the Digital Empowerment Centres are to be used to improve digital capacity among the youth and boost plans to digitise government services.
Later, the President commissioned the Kegati Water Project in Nyaribari Chache, which will serve both Kisii and Nyamira counties.