CS Machogu Ensures University Access Amid HELB Stalemate
Ezekiel Machogu, cabinet secretary for education, has assured parents and students planning to enroll in public universities next month that no one will be denied admission due to inability to pay fees.
Machogu, who appeared before the Education Committee of the National Assembly on Thursday, stated that although only 30% of the cohort had applied for government scholarships, the remaining 70% need not fret as they will be accommodated.
He disclosed that he will distribute a circular to Vice Chancellors to ensure that no student will be expelled.
Hundreds of eager university students were still waiting in line at the HELB offices in Anniversary Towers for a chance to apply for government funding, all at the mercy of a delayed system.
“Treasury is providing us with funds for the second, third, and fourth years, which will be distributed to universities as we conclude the categorization procedure for first-year students. “We have instructed our public and private universities not to reject students while we are processing the funding,” stated the CS.
Machogu addressed MPs’ concerns regarding the insufficient categorization and distribution of scholarship funds and loans, which could cost students the opportunity.
“We discussed the issue with the Vice Chancellors, and they agreed with our proposal; however, I will draft a circular,” he stated.
Beatrice Inyangala, principal secretary for higher education, added, “Students are already visiting the facility and receiving assistance, and we will ensure that this continues until they settle in and resume their studies.”
70% of students have not yet applied for government funding, according to education officials, and legislators are attempting to have the ministry extend the September 7th deadline so that no student is shut out, as the government mulls an extension.
CEO of HELB Charles Ringera stated, “We have built capacity at the Huduma Center so that they can apply there, and we are collaborating with the Interior Ministry to expedite the process.”
Cs Machogu stated, “We do not wish to exclude anyone, and if you have an application you can simply report to the university and be guided on how to apply; we will be quite flexible as the numbers are still quite low.”
On Thursday, 75,272 out of 285,000 pupils enrolled in universities and TVETs had successfully submitted their applications; questions were raised about those who had not yet reached the age of eighteen.
The Member of Parliament for Nyando, Jared Okello, stated, “By criminalizing completing Form Four at the age of 16, we are opening the door for criminals who will offer assistance.”
CS Machogu replied, “We’ve been able to analyze this because we’ve encountered some type of issue. The system has some sort of blockage that prevents it from absorbing what we administer. The validation process has also encountered obstacles.”
Despite the assurance, dejected and frustrated students were waiting in line at the HELB office in Anniversary Towers on September 7 to receive assistance.
Some of the students are familiar with the difficulties, as they had to forego the loan last year due to the same system error.
Because their parents cannot afford to pay complete school fees, the majority of students who graduated from secondary school last year are concerned about being ineligible for the fund, which could hinder their pursuit of an education.
They want the government to extend the HELB application deadline.
The new financing model only applies to KCSE candidates in 2022.
CS Machogu Ensures University Access Amid HELB Stalemate
