Wamuzi News Ke
A massive storm is brewing in Kenya’s education sector, with urgent calls from lawmakers for immediate government intervention to save two of the country’s most critical academic lifelines from financial ruin.
In a tense parliamentary session chaired by Sotik MP Francis Sigei, the Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education received chilling revelations from the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF) — both teetering on the edge of collapse.
“We Are in Crisis” – MPs Demand Swift Action
The meeting sent shockwaves through the House as MPs learned of the worsening financial crises threatening the future of thousands of Kenyan students. Lawmakers are now demanding that the Ministry of Education act fast to prevent what they describe as an “educational disaster in the making.”
HELB Under Siege as Loan Defaults Soar
Geoffrey Monari, CEO of HELB, painted a grim picture: skyrocketing loan defaults have left the board cash-strapped, threatening its ability to support needy students.
Monari confirmed HELB is now working with law enforcement to trace defaulters — even those who have fled the country. “This is not just about money — it’s about patriotism and responsibility,” he told the committee.
But MPs weren’t convinced that chasing debtors alone will solve the crisis. They pushed HELB to launch public campaigns and personal testimonials to rebuild trust and encourage a repayment culture. The committee also pressed the board to diversify its income sources and stop depending solely on Treasury allocations.
JKF in Free Fall – Over Half a Billion in Losses
Even more alarming was the report from the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation. Managing Director David Mwaniki revealed the foundation has lost Sh286.6 million in just one year, with total accumulated losses now exceeding Sh592 million.
The cause? A shift in government policy that decimated JKF’s textbook sales — its primary source of income. Now, with zero working capital left, JKF can no longer meet its financial obligations. Mwaniki confirmed a formal plea for emergency funding has been submitted to the Ministry of Education.
Is There Hope? A Lifeline from the Presidency
Despite the bleak situation, there may be a glimmer of hope. The Presidential Working Group on Education Reforms has proposed a game-changing move: appointing JKF as the state’s official scholarship provider of last resort. This designation could open the door to direct government funding and rescue the struggling institution from financial ruin.
“We Cannot Let These Institutions Die” – MPs Rally
Lawmakers across the political divide united in outrage and urgency. “Education is the backbone of this country,” MP Sigei declared. “If HELB and JKF go under, we are betraying the dreams of an entire generation.”
The committee is now summoning the Education Cabinet Secretary for an emergency appearance, demanding a concrete rescue strategy to shield the institutions — and the future of Kenyan education — from total collapse.
