By: Samwel Obegi
Few weeks ago the National Treasury secretary Ukur Yatani read the budget for the next financial year and public universities were allocated sh91.2 billion less than the amount suggested by Higher Education loans Board.
Higher education loans Board earlier suggested to be given 102.807 billion to enable them to pay the pending bills and salaries and help them run the next financial year smoothly.
According to HELB statement in 2021/2022 over 75000 students were no allocated because of underfunding from the National Treasury and we are fearing the same may repeat itself in the next financial year.
University students are really struggling to coup up with the high standards of living and many depend on HELB for upkeep and it is not showing up on time.
Many students have are now forced to defer examinations because of the pending fee arrears and even others committing suicide because ends are not meeting. Many of us even sleep empty stomachs because there is nothing to eat and earlier last year a student from south Eastern university succumbed of hunger.
The government should chip in and address this issue with the seriousness it deserves and ensure public university fund allocation are increased to cater for the needs and wellbeing of comrades.
Dennis Dibondo