University students urge Gov't to resolve HELB delay issues

In a statement issued on Thursday, university students associations pointed out that delays in disbursement of HELB loans has left many students facing a lot of challenges in their studies and campus life in general. 

"To begin with, many freshmen have had to postpone joining the university, despite attaining the minimum C+ grade, due to the delayed HELB money," said Kenya Private Universities Student Association (KPUSA) Chairman Marco Laboso.

The university student leaders noted that most universities demand to be paid at least 90 per cent of the fees before admission.

They further implored the government to support matters student leadership as part youth empowerment.

KPUSA Secretary General Victor Mwalu, on the same briefing, said that continuing students continue to grapple with financial woes.

"Besides paying tuition fees, lest studies are disrupted, one has to eat, pay rent and buy scholarly materials, among many other needs. This can cause depression," said Mwalu.

"Eighty per cent of university students depend on study loans to make their life on campus bearable. Even then, the loan that students are awarded is sometimes too little amid the high cost of living," Victor Mwalu added.