- Moi University student leaders have urged the government to review HELB allocations to reflect current economic realities.
- MUSO Secretary General Enock Kwena says inflation has significantly reduced the purchasing power of student loans.
- The students are also calling for better support for interns and stronger representation of student issues at the national level.
Moi University Students Organisation (MUSO) leaders have appealed to the government to review and increase Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) allocations, arguing that rising inflation has reduced the value of student funding.
The appeal was made through a letter written by MUSO Secretary General Enock Kwena to Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi.
Kwena noted that the cost of accommodation, academic resources and other essential services has risen sharply since the last major review of HELB allocations in 2014.
While acknowledging the government’s efforts to improve access to higher education financing, he argued that emerging financial challenges continue to affect university students and graduates.
“While significant progress has been made, several emerging concerns continue to affect both current students and graduates, necessitating urgent attention and intervention,” the letter states.
Call for Review of HELB Allocations
According to Kwena, HELB allocations should be increased by about 44 per cent to match inflationary trends.
He argued that the purchasing power of KSh50,000 in 2014 is equivalent to approximately KSh90,000 today.
“We respectfully urge the Ministry of Education, in consultation with relevant stakeholders, to undertake an urgent review of HELB allocations to ensure that financial support offered to students reflects prevailing economic realities,” he said.
Kwena also highlighted challenges faced by graduates serving as interns.
He noted that many interns struggle to meet living expenses while simultaneously being expected to begin repaying HELB loans despite earning relatively low stipends.
According to the student leader, the cost of acquiring academic qualifications and meeting day-to-day expenses places additional financial pressure on young graduates entering the labour market.
HELB Funding Allocation
The 2026 national budget allocated KSh56.3 billion to HELB to support students in higher learning institutions.
The allocation represents a significant increase compared to previous years and reflects the government’s continued investment in higher education financing.
Kwena also expressed concern about what he described as weak student leadership across universities.
He claimed that some student leaders are increasingly focused on campus politics rather than addressing the welfare concerns affecting learners.
He called for stronger collaboration among university student leaders through the Kenya University Students Association (KUSA) and closer engagement with the Ministry of Education to advocate for student interests more effectively.
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The student leaders hope that increased dialogue with government agencies will lead to reforms that improve access to higher education financing and ease the financial burden facing university students.
By Ochola Victor
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