HELB Seeks Public Input on Appeals Mechanism for Students Dissatisfied with New Funding Model
- Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and Universities Fund (UF) invited the public to submit comments on the appeals mechanisms for the new funding model
- The two state agencies will conduct public participation exercises to gather opinions on the effectiveness of the platform
- This came after the High Court ruled that the new model did not provide an avenue for appeals by dissatisfied students
Japhet Ruto, a journalist at TUKO.co.ke, offers more than eight years of experience in finance, business, and technology, delivering insightful perspectives on economic trends in Kenya and worldwide.
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and Universities Fund (UF) have asked the public to provide feedback on the appeals process intended for students who are unhappy with the financing model introduced by President William Ruto.
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Why HELB and UF launched an appeals mechanism
This aligns with the Wednesday, March 26, 2025, ruling by the Court of Appeal, which halted the High Court's injunction to stop the new funding arrangement.
Additionally, the court ordered HELB and UF to set up and make public an appeals process within 14 days of the judgment's delivery date.
This meant the government resumed using the Variable Scholarship Loan Funding Model, which classifies students according to their financial needs.
The two state agencies created the Scholarship and Loan Appeals Mechanism portal in response to the directives, which allows students to lodge complaints.
HELB and UF will conduct a public participation exercise to gather opinions on the effectiveness of the platform from stakeholders.
The planned timeframe for the exercise is Tuesday, April 1 to Friday, April 4 at 5:00 p.m.
"UF and HELB, therefore, invite the public to submit comments and memoranda on the appeals mechanism. This abbreviated public participation exercise is in line with Article 10 of the Constitution of Kenya and will run until Friday, April 4, at 5:00pm. Stakeholders are encouraged to send their comments and memoranda via: Email: [email protected]; [email protected] and Huduma Centres: HELB desks at designated centres nationwide," the notice stated.
What Justice Chacha Mwita ruled
The funding model did not provide a public platform for students to file appeals, according to the High Court's ruling by Justice Chacha Mwita.
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Mwita explained that his decision was made due to a lack of public participation.
The new funding model was criticised for classifying students according to age, school type, and financial capabilities, which they claimed violated the Universities Act.
However, HELB and UF contested the order, claiming that the High Court's decision hindered the distribution of funds and, as a result, endangered students' educational opportunities.
What students said
A section of university students who disapprove of the new funding scheme fiercely contested the Court of Appeal's ruling, demanding a restoration to the previous model.
They contend that the model divides students based on their economic backgrounds, resulting in unequal access to education.
They said the previous model provided a more equitable distribution of loans, safeguarding against discrimination for those who don't fit the new banding policy.
Thousands of students decried being placed in the wrong bands.
Proofreading by Asher Omondi, copy editor at TUKO.co.ke.
Source: TUKO.co.ke
