ODM MP Rallies Students For Daily Protests Over University Funding
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino has called for daily protests at universities across the country beginning Monday, October 14, in response to the troubling delay in the disbursement of scholarship funds.
The former University of Nairobi student leader’s announcement, made in a post on X on Friday, October 11, highlights the growing desperation among students who rely on the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) for financial assistance.
The turmoil surrounding HELB has escalated, with Owino accusing the board of purposefully delaying the release of funds.
“HELB has intentionally decided to delay funds meant to educate our comrades, and as a result, they must suffer,” he declared.
HELB has intentionally decided to delay funds meant to Educate our Comrades and as a result they must suffer.I call upon all student Leaders in all Universities to organize for peaceful demonstrations on a daily basis until such a time when Money will be released to our beloved…
— Babu Owino (@HEBabuOwino) October 11, 2024
His appeal seeks to rally student leaders across the country to organize peaceful protests until financial assistance is restored.
Babu’s call to protest comes just days after students protested at Nyandarua National Polytechnic against a fee increase and the cancellation of HELB applications.
The protests, led by student president John Eric, disrupted transportation along the Nyahururu-Olkalou Highway.
The urgency of Babu’s call is echoed in the recent protests at Nyandarua National Polytechnic, where students expressed their dissatisfaction with a fee increase and the cancellation of HELB applications.
Demonstrators, led by student president John Eric, took to the streets on Monday, blocking the Nyahururu-Olkalou highway.
Eric decried the increased financial burdens imposed by the administration as students protested the new funding model.
“Some riots are witnessed today because of some issues concerning fees and regarding this, we are concerned about the HELB applications that were just cancelled over the weekend,” stated Eric.
Babu’s call to action comes in response to numerous complaints about HELB’s slow disbursement of funds.
The situation is exacerbated by recent changes to the government’s funding model, which have sparked criticism.
Despite this, the model aims to streamline university funding in order to eliminate the debt burden that most public universities face.
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In August, the Treasury allocated Ksh29.7 billion to the Ministry of Education, with Ksh5.1 billion set aside for HELB to help students pursue higher education.
However, the slow release of these funds raises concerns about the government’s commitment to student welfare, as many struggle to meet their basic needs.
Despite these allocations, ongoing delays have caused students to question the effectiveness of HELB.
Many students face the grim reality of hunger and homelessness as essential funds fail to reach them on time.
ODM MP Rallies Students For Daily Protests Over University Funding
