KUSO welcomes government’s release of Ksh3.2B HELB funds for students

In a statement issued on Tuesday, KUSO leaders thanked President William Ruto for his intervention in securing the timely disbursement of the funds for first and second-year university students under the 2024/2025 academic year.

“We, the members of the Kenya University Students Organization (KUSO), would like to express our sincere gratitude to His Excellency, the President of the Republic of Kenya, for his unwavering support and commitment to the welfare of university students across the nation,” the statement read.

 “This vital intervention ensures that many of us can continue our education without unnecessary financial burdens,” KUSO added.

The release of these funds came after widespread student protests calling for the immediate disbursement of HELB loans, which had been delayed for several months. The delay had sparked frustration among students, with some resorting to road blockages and storming HELB offices in demand of the funds.

Announced by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, the release will see students receive between Ksh 40,000 and Ksh 60,000 to cover their upkeep costs. These funds, already allocated in the 2024 budget, are expected to provide crucial financial support to students during the ongoing academic year.

The disbursement is set to benefit approximately 180,000 students who had been affected by the delay.