Following University of Nairobi (UoN) students’ protest on Monday 2nd, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has declared that it is going back to the previous disbursement formula to first and second-year students as they await a ruling on appeal against the High Court suspension of the new model.
READ ALSO: Shock as five chiefs are abducted on their way to work by Al shabaab suspects
However, HELB’s announcement was expected to exacerbate the already tense situation, as the board was attempting to address the students’ concerns amid the confusion surrounding the suspension of the New University funding model.
University of Nairobi president Rocha Madzayo’s message
On Sunday, the UoN students announced in a press release sent by their president, Rocha Madzayo, that they would be marching to the HELB headquarters.
”This is not just happening to us but also to other students across the country. We are deeply compelled by the plight of many students in our country who are facing financial struggles,” said Madzayo.
In addition to additional financial difficulties, the students expressed concern that some would miss the deadlines for course registration.
READ ALSO: Ever tried Okra? Here are 7 major health benefits of okra water you need to know
The students chanted and criticized the board’s management for the funding delays as they gathered outside Anniversary Towers as they marched to the HELB offices.
However, police told the students to return to school and refused to let them into the board’s offices.
Kenyatta University students’ protest
After Kenyatta University students marched towards the town center to join their UoN counterparts in protesting delays, transportation on Nairobi’s Thika Road remained paralyzed for the most of Monday morning.
Since the demonstrations caused significant traffic jams that extended from the Githurai 44 region to Kenyatta University, drivers were encouraged to look for alternate routes.
The High Court ruled on December 20 of last year that the new university finance arrangement was unlawful and unconstitutional.
The fund, which was launched in May of last year, was declared illegal by Justice Chacha Mwita because it lacked a legal basis, was discriminatory, and did not include the public.
“It should have been subjected to the public so that the public comments before its implementation,” Justice Mwita had said.
READ ALSO:
- Intern teachers to get stipends as from February, TSC says
- TSC: 20,000 JSS intern teachers to undergo retooling on CBC and CBA
- Nancy Macharia Biography: Age, Family, Children, Tribe, Career History, & TSC CEO Profile
