Ministry of Education Disburses Sh5.2 Billion to HELB for Student Loans and Scholarships
By Friday, the Ministry of Education had released Sh5.2 billion to the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) for tuition and upkeep loans for students set to join various universities across the country starting the following Monday.
Out of the total amount, Sh2.8 billion was allocated to the University Fund for scholarships. The disbursement process, which involves verifying student reporting and admission, has already commenced, with funds being sent to the respective university and student accounts.
Julius Migos, the Education Cabinet Secretary, promised to finalize the disbursements by August 30, 2024. The Higher Education Portal opened for the current application cycle, resulting in 134,029 loan and scholarship applications. To date, 127,591 of these applications have been categorized into various funding bands.
Outcry from Students Over Band Placement
Among the categorized applicants, 12,958 students have appealed for re-categorization. The ministry’s decision to allow for appeals came after a significant public outcry, driven by fears that many students might miss university opportunities due to the inability to raise the required fees.
Based on parameters like household income, the new funding model classifies students into five bands. Students from low-income backgrounds expressed concerns about their placement in Band 5, where fees can reach hundreds of thousands per year.
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The processing of these appeals has begun and is expected to be concluded within three weeks from the date of each appeal. The portal will remain open until December 31, 2024, to accommodate late appeals.
Criticism and Defense of the New Funding Model
The new funding model has faced criticism, with some Kenyans calling for its abolition, citing discrimination. On Thursday, Chief Justice Martha Koome criticized the model, warning that it could exacerbate inequality and calling for a comprehensive review.
In response, the Education CS explained that re-categorization would depend on accurate information regarding an applicant’s socio-economic background, affirmative action considerations, socio-demographic factors, and family education expenses.
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“The processing of appeals has started and will be concluded within three weeks from the date of each of appeal. The portal will remain open until December 31, 2024, to allow for late appeals,” assured the CS.
Officers from the National Government Administration Office are collaborating with the ministry to ensure fair categorization and funding denial for no deserving student.
Ministry of Education Disburses Sh5.2 Billion to HELB for Student Loans and Scholarships
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