As HELB doesn’t have enough money for their tuition, this is a setback for KMTC students.
Due to a budgetary deficit, students at the Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) have not been able to get HELB loans.
Under the current HELB framework, there is no money set aside for KMTC students, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba informed members of the legislature.
He clarified that not all establishments are immediately under the jurisdiction of the Ministry of Education.
Some, such as KMTC, route their funding through other ministries like Health.
Ogamba was brought before the Education and Health Committees of the National Assembly.
He stated that HELB has gotten Sh84.5 billion in funding for this fiscal year.
But the board needs Sh138.5 billion to support every student who is eligible.
That leaves a gap of more than Sh54 billion.
According to Ogamba, the data from institutions under his ministry is used by HELB to distribute money.
Because the Ministry of Health oversees KMTC, HELB’s planning does not automatically take its needs into account.
He mentioned that KMTC got Sh1.2 billion from HELB during the 2022/2023 fiscal year.
The Ministry of Health made those resources available for that funding.
Prior to that, USAID supported KMTC through HELB.
With USAID support, HELB gave KMTC students Sh468 million between 2014 and 2019.
Ogamba maintained that providing support to all students in higher education is still a priority for the government.
In order to make sure that no kid is left behind, he claimed that coordination between ministries is essential.
The CS acknowledged that HELB’s ability to serve institutions beyond his agenda is restricted by the existing paradigm.
He called for greater inclusion in future budgeting decisions in the legislature.
To aid in appropriate allocations, institutions must also submit accurate data, according to Ogamba.
Lawmakers expressed worry over the unjust exclusion of KMTC students.
They demanded immediate reforms to make HELB financing available to all public training facilities.
To improve financing procedures, the CS informed the committee that negotiations were still underway.
He urged organizations like KMTC to collaborate closely with the Treasury and other related government departments.
Students continue to bear the brunt as financial gaps increase.
According to Members of Parliament, equitable funding mechanisms are the cornerstone of the future of inclusive higher education.