Yatta Member of Parliament Robert Basil has called on President William Ruto to divert Hustler Fund money to the students’ loans board.
The Yatta MP urged the government to support the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) as an alternative to helping in crippling its activities.
“Instead of having Hustler Fund, they should have strengthened HELB so that the extra funds support needy students,” Basil said.
MP Basil spoke during a press briefing on Thursday, May 4 where young parliamentarians were reacting to the newly unveiled higher education funding model.
“The President needs to stand up and support HELB instead of killing it. He should not be misled that the new model will solve these problems,” he stated.
The lawmaker’s remarks come a day after President Ruto said the government will fully cater for the education costs of vulnerable and extremely needy students.
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Furthermore, the section of vulnerable and needy students comprises 29 per cent of the student population joining university and TVETs this year through government scholarships, loans and bursaries.
“For the first time, students whose families are at the bottom of the pyramid shall enjoy equal opportunity in accessing university and TVET education. Their households shall not make any contribution towards the education of their children,” the head of state said.
Nonetheless, the Yatta MP called president Ruto to spearhead sufficient funding to the loans board beginning the next financial year.
The legislator while reacting to the newly unveiled varsities funding model highlighted that HELB has helped students from vulnerable families.
“During Moi days there was a boom and now we have HELB which is the only hope to so many students and parents,” he said.
In addition, the president had outlined that sources of funding to universities will be generated from three sources including scholarships, loans and household contributions.
“Funding to students shall combine scholarships, loans and household contributions on a graduated scale, scientifically determined by means testing instrument,” he said.
Furthermore, president Ruto announced that the new funding model will take effect at the beginning of the next financial year and will benefit students joining universities and TVET institutions.
