By Faith Munanie
Kenya Universities Students Organization (KUSO) calls for immediate release of HELB funds for students under the new funding model.
In a letter dated 8th November 2024, following case no. HCCHRPET/E412/2023, KUSO president Dr Antony Manyara wrote to the high court addressing Hon Justice Chacha Mwita for urgent relief for students affected by conservatory orders in the case.
HELB had earlier stated it would withhold disbursement until a verdict is reached on December 16th, 2024. Although the KUSO application to be enjoined as an interested party in the case has been approved, Manyara says that the fear of urgency in students' situations cannot wait for a full legal process. Additionally, he states that articles 43 and 53 of the Kenya constitution safeguard the right to education and emphasize the duty of the state to protect vulnerable citizens.
In his letter, Manyara says, "While the case against the higher education funding model (HEFM) continues, the immediate impact on students who enrolled under this model has been severe. Due to orders issued on October 3rd, 2024, HELB has restricted funds solely to students under the previous Funding system, leaving thousands of others without essential financial support. "
The president has also emphasized that the funds are indispensable for students' survival, covering Basic expenses such as tuition fees, rent, and sustenance. Hence, its delay has left countless students in precarious positions, unable to afford even the minimal cost of education, potentially leading to disruptions in their studies, economic hardship, and mental health crises.
This comes hand in tandem with lecturers beginning their second phase of strike demanding action to delayed payments. The students therefore have been left with no choice rather to temporarily withdraw from studies which has led to idleness hence exhaustion from basic stuff. The students further complain that they have little funds to sustain their lives and ask for the government to pay their lecturers to resume their studies or let them go back to their homes.
The National Assembly Education Committee chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, has called for the disbursement of Moi University’s current management team and recommended that the institution be put under caretaker control.
This comes after the university staff went on strike again just days before the planned reopening on November 11, demanding a new university council and payment of over Ksh 10 billion in arrears.
Education committee chair Julius Melly promises management overhaul as staff reject phased payment proposal leaving students in limbo.
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