Since the inception of the Higher Education Loans Board in July 1995, this is the ultimate test for the more than 30 chartered universities and 2,301 Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions.
The President has started the conversation on the abolition of Helb. But this comes as the prices of accommodation and food have skyrocketed and made life in miserable for many a comrade. The Helb loan is our last lifeline.
Many public universities are grappling with a number of issues of major concern and now to add to those there's the unclarified statement made by the President on abolishing Helb.
Food prices are expected to go up in 2023, with most if not all universities having no provision of subsidised meals in their cafeterias. In an attempt to lower the cost of operations, universities have introduced policies to conserve their resources. This will force comrades to look for alternatives, which will expose them to the shackles of hardship and derail their education.
Most universities have increased accommodation fees—both external and institutionalised accommodation. The hiked fees will be unsustainable in years to come, forcing comrades to opt for online programmes, which are not suitable to some sensitive degrees.
The licence to operate as a comrade is marked by the ability to pay fees and to pay fees on time. But some institutions have increased fees, forcing many students to drop out.
About 562,000 students were enrolled in universities during the 2021-22 academic year. This begs the question, is the output of graduates a reflection of the enrolment? If not, what must be done?
Parents and guardians have been part of the story of generations of students going through the different levels of education. But the burden of education keeps getting heavier each year.
Abolishing Helb will make university education inaccessible to many and the experience of many comrades bitter.
President, Moi University Students Organisation
