Traffic along Magadi Road, Ongata Rongai, has come to a standstill after students from Multimedia University (MMU) took to the streets to protest delay in the disbursement of Higher Education Loans Boards (HELB) funds.
The students indicated that they were agitating for the release of the long-awaited funds saying they have been suffering considering the current challenging economic times.
A number of students, blocked the road, hurled rocks, and lit bonfires along the busy stretch.
The students further said that their other grievances include; the release of missing marks for students slated to graduate later this month; a permanent solution to water shortage to be rolled out with immediate effect; delay in issuance of student IDs, and repair and maintenance of facilities and infrastructure including washrooms and classrooms which are in sorry state.
Earlier, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino had made a public call for HELB to expedite the disbursement of funds to students, citing financial hardships faced by students due to the delayed disbursement.
“Comrades are very hungry and angry at the same time. Students cannot go to class because HELB has not been released. Students cannot buy food, afford accommodation, and do not have money for transport,” he said.
The MP called on Treasury Cabinet Secretary Prof. Njuguna Ndung’u to swiftly collaborate with HELB to ensure the immediate release of funds.
He further impressed upon student leaders across the country to rally for the release of the funds but cautioned them against damaging school property during the demonstrations.
Recently, public universities in the country have been feeling the heat of cash crunches that have bedeviled middle-level and technical institutions.
Kenya Universities Students Organization (KUSO) President Antony Manyara had earlier said that HELB had agreed to release the funds this week.
By Fredrick Odiero
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