Blow to KMTC Students as HELB lacks funds for their fees
Students of Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) have been unable to receive HELB loans because of a budget deficit.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba informed lawmakers that there was no funding designated for KMTC learners within the current HELB framework.
He clarified that not every institution is directly overseen by the Ministry of Education.
Certain institutions, including KMTC, manage their budgets through different ministries such as Health.
Ogamba appeared before the Education and Health Committees of the National Assembly.
He disclosed that HELB had been allocated Sh84. 5 billion for this financial year.
Nevertheless, the board requires Sh138. 5 billion to finance all eligible students.
This results in a deficiency exceeding Sh54 billion.
Ogamba stated that HELB distributes funds based on information from institutions under his ministry.
Given that KMTC operates under the Ministry of Health, its requirements are not automatically factored into HELB’s planning.
He pointed out that during the 2022/2023 financial year, KMTC was allocated Sh1. 2 billion from HELB.
This funding was facilitated by resources provided by the Ministry of Health.
Before this, KMTC had received assistance from USAID through HELB.
From 2014 to 2019, HELB allocated Sh468 million to KMTC students with the backing of USAID.
Ogamba maintained that government policy remains to support every student in higher education.
He emphasized that cooperation among ministries is essential to ensure no student is overlooked.
The CS acknowledged that the existing model restricts HELB’s capacity to assist institutions outside his ministry’s purview.
He urged Parliament to contemplate more inclusive budgeting in future planning.
Ogamba also highlighted the importance of precise data submission by institutions to facilitate proper allocations.
Lawmakers voiced their concerns that KMTC students are being unjustly excluded.
They requested immediate reforms to ensure HELB funding is available to every public training institution.
The CS reassured the committee that discussions are currently in progress to refine funding procedures.
He encouraged institutions like KMTC to collaborate closely with the Treasury and pertinent ministries.
As funding shortages increase, students continue to face the consequences.
The future of inclusive higher education, MPs cautioned, relies on fair funding systems.