By Peter Otuoro
Higher Education Loan Board (HELB) is planning to prosecute through the courts students who fail to pay back loans despite being in good financial position.
HELB Chief Executive Officer, Charles Ringera, said thousands of HELB beneficiaries are working in foreign countries and are reluctant to pay the loans, which would help fund new applicants.
In an interview at a local radio, Ringera said that the government has the machineries of ensuring all defaulters pay back their loans, including through prosecution.
“When HELB fund is paid, it helps other needy Kenyans to study courses of their choice both in universities and Technical Vocational Education Institutions.” Said the CEO.
He added that the Government will disburse Ksh.15.8 Billion which will benefit first year students who are expected to join universities and TVET institutions in September this year and other continuing students in various academic institutions in the country.
“Out of Ksh.15.8 Billion, Treasury will allocate us Ksh.11.3 Billion while we are expecting Ksh.4.5 Billion from HELB beneficiaries in loan repayments,” added Ringera.
He told students who are expected to join universities and TVET institutions to apply online or visit Huduma Centres in their respective counties to get assistance.
“Before we select students who will benefit from HELB, we usually conduct vigorous and strict online interviews to ensure only the needy students benefit from the available funds,” said the CEO.
He stated that HELB mainly conduct public education countrywide to ensure Kenyans are sensitizing about the importance of HELB and its impact to the economy of Kenya.
Ringera said that HELB has financed the education of over 1.2 million Kenyans since 1974 and it has produce positive impact to the education sector in Kenya.
