The Elimu Bora Working Group has called on the Ministry of Education to urgently release funds to support first-year students who have been reportedly left without clear financing arrangements.

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Speaking to the media on Sunday, September 20, the group demanded that the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and the Universities Fund immediately disburse funds to students who have completed the registration process.

It further called for interim financial support for affected students to enable them to meet basic needs, including accommodation and the purchase of academic materials, as the government works to resolve the ongoing funding challenges.

"First things first, let HELB and University Fund be given their grants so that they immediately disburse resources to those who have registered," the group stated.

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"An immediate funding be made available, probably an interim amount for their upkeep, to help them acquire academic materials, and also to help them get accommodation," it added.

The demands come amid confusion among first-year students following the government's proposal for free university funding from September 2026.

President William Ruto announced that no student will be forced to pay out of pocket for their education, including tuition and upkeep fees.

The proposals are contained in the Tertiary Education, Placement and Funding Bill, 2026, which is currently before Parliament.

If passed, the government will provide full funding, with students expected to pay later after securing employment.

However, due to delays in passing the Bill, the Ministry of Education announced that first-year students will continue their applications under the current financing model.

📰 Source: Kenyans.co.ke