MP Advocates for HELB Loans for TTC Students.
North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood has announced plans to introduce legislation in Parliament aimed at extending Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funding to students enrolled in Teachers Training Colleges (TTCs). Parliament is expected to deliberate on the proposal once it resumes from recess.
During the inauguration of a newly constructed dormitory at Meru Teachers Training College, Dawood noted that the current HELB policies exclude TTC students from accessing financial aid. He emphasized the urgency of formulating laws to address this issue, pledging his commitment to advancing the matter in collaboration with the Parliamentary Committee on Education.
Equal Treatment for Diploma Students
Dawood argued that learners in TTCs deserve the same consideration as their counterparts in Technical and Vocational Education Training (TVET) institutions, many of whom pursue diploma programs and already benefit from HELB funding. He stressed the importance of fairness, stating that teachers are the backbone of any nation and should be supported adequately from the onset of their training.
He also expressed his dedication to ensuring equal opportunities for all students, highlighting the similarities between the programs offered at TVETs and TTCs. “Discrimination in access to funding for such programs is unwarranted,” Dawood remarked.
Support through Constituency Development Funds
As the patron of the North Imenti National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), Dawood affirmed his commitment to supporting educational institutions within his constituency. He revealed that bursaries had been awarded to North Imenti students in TTCs and pledged to sustain this initiative alongside advocating for HELB reforms.
| Funding Source | Current Status | Proposed Change |
|---|---|---|
| HELB for TVET Students | Available | No change |
| HELB for TTC Students | Not available | Introduction of funding |
| NG-CDF Bursaries | Available for TTCs | Continued support |
Call for Action by Stakeholders
Imenti North Deputy County Commissioner, Ms. Odilliah Ndeti, urged stakeholders at Meru Teachers Training College to focus on early recruitment of learners who have recently completed secondary education. She highlighted the need to make the institution more accessible and relevant to a larger number of prospective students.
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Summary of Key Developments
- Proposal for HELB Funding: MP Rahim Dawood plans to initiate legislation to include TTC students as HELB beneficiaries.
- Commitment to Equality: Dawood advocates for equal treatment of diploma students across TTCs and TVETs.
- NG-CDF Support: Continuous allocation of bursaries to TTC students within North Imenti.
- Stakeholder Engagement: Emphasis on early recruitment to increase access to TTCs.
Dawood’s commitment to enhancing access to education funding for TTC students aligns with the broader goal of strengthening Kenya’s education sector by supporting its foundational workforce—teachers.
MP Advocates for HELB Loans for TTC Students.
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