Government to Clear Pending HELB Disbursements by Friday, Ruto Assures Students
President William Ruto has assured university students that all pending Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) allocations will be disbursed by the end of the week.
Speaking at PC Kinyanjui TTI in Dagoretti during his Nairobi County working tour, Ruto confirmed that the necessary government consultations had been concluded, paving the way for fund releases by Friday.
The President revealed that he had engaged Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba and Head of Public Service Felix Koskei in critical discussions to ensure the funds reach students without further delays.
“The Head of Public Service is handling the matter today, and I have instructed that all pending funds be deposited into students’ accounts by Friday,” Ruto declared.
He further warned that officials responsible for the disbursement would be held accountable if the funds were not released as promised.
“If the money is not in your accounts by then, reach out to me directly—I will take action against those responsible for the delay,” he stated.
Ruto acknowledged that HELB disbursements had encountered challenges, affecting students who rely on the funds for their education.
“HELB has faced issues, and yesterday, I met with the Cabinet Secretary to address the complications delaying the process,” he added.
Delays in disbursement have previously triggered protests, with university students demanding immediate action.
On February 3, students from Kenyatta University blocked Thika Road to express their frustration over the delays, while University of Nairobi students stormed the HELB headquarters at Anniversary Towers, seeking answers on their funds.
HELB plays a crucial role in supporting higher education, benefiting approximately 180,000 students each year. Loan recipients typically receive between Ksh35,000 and Ksh60,000 annually, depending on their allocations.
