Increase Helb loans to end students' suffering

 Being at the university comes with its share of expectations from the society. Everyone is looking up to you to save them from their suffering once you complete your studies. Ironically, the said saviours go through hell and sometimes frustrating challenges drive them out of classes.

There are still some people out there who think university students live like kings and queens because of the funds they receive from the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb).This false belief makes some family members hesitate to support their own at the university.

The naked truth is that not every student receives this meagre fund, and for those who receive it, it is never enough even to cater for their basic needs. In most cases, Helb disburses the cash late. Many students are forced to borrow with a promise of paying it back once Helb releases the cash. The result is that many are struggling with debts.

Now many students have come up with a new way of surviving by adopting what many call CODE 001- skipping breakfast, lunch and only taking supper. CODE 010 means you skip breakfast, eat late lunch and skip supper. CODE 100 means you eat late breakfast in mid-morning and skip lunch and supper. To many, CODE 001 is the most preferable.

Many are struggling with bitter feelings of rejection and negligence from family members and the government. Both central and county governments need to come to the rescue and make it a law for all university and college students to receive enough funding and on time to enable them be reasonably comfortable. As we talk about free primary and secondary education, let us talk about universities too. Luka Kirubi, Maseno University