University of Nairobi (UoN) students have taken to the streets, storming the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) offices at Anniversary Towers in Nairobi’s Central Business District (CBD) to protest the significant delays in loan disbursements.
These delays have left many students struggling to cover essential academic and personal expenses. The protests have led to considerable disruption, with police intervening to disperse the crowd and restrict access to the premises.
Simultaneously, Kenyatta University students have blocked sections of Thika Road, causing major traffic disruptions. Their action is a direct response to the same issue of delayed HELB funding.
This marks their second demonstration in less than a week, highlighting the severity and urgency of the situation among the student body.
The delays are linked to a recent High Court ruling that declared the new university funding model unconstitutional, leading to confusion and further delays in disbursement.
HELB has been attempting to revert to the old funding model for first and second-year students while appealing the court’s decision. This legal battle has exacerbated the funding crisis, with students demanding immediate financial relief.
Students have expressed their frustration over the financial strain, with many unable to pay for rent, meals, and tuition fees. There’s a strong call for government action to ensure funds are released to safeguard their academic pursuits.
The protests are not just about immediate financial relief but also about systemic changes in how student funding is managed.
Posts on social media reflect a wave of support and frustration among the broader Kenyan public, with many highlighting the immediate impacts on students’ lives, including inability to afford basic necessities and fears of missing academic deadlines.
The situation remains fluid, with ongoing protests signaling a deep-seated issue within the educational funding system, urging for immediate and sustainable solutions.