HELB Delays: University of Kabianga Closed Following Students Riot
The University of Kabianga in Belgut, Kericho County, has been temporarily closed after students went on a rampage over what they deemed to be delays by the government in disbursing HELB loans.
The decision was made after lengthy Senate deliberations, according to a memo signed by Prof. Elijah Omwenga, Deputy Vice Chancellor in charge of Academics and Student Affairs.
After engaging police officers in running battles and barricading the Premier – Taplotin road with bonfires for the majority of the day, the students were instructed to leave the university grounds by 5 p.m.
“During special Senate meeting held today, 4 April, 2023 to deliberate on the prevailing circumstances involving students’ unrests, the University Senate agreed to close the University indefinitely for students in Main Campus.”
The students claimed that the government’s delay in disbursing the loans had negatively impacted their studies, and that they may not be able to sit for their exams due to inability to pay their fees.
They gave the government a 48-hour ultimatum to disburse the loans, failing which they vowed to hold further demonstrations.
To disperse the rioting students, police officers were compelled to lobby for tear gas canisters.
According to a post on Twitter by HELB, they apologized for the delay and inconvenience caused and assured that they were making every effort to complete both allocation and disbursement.
“We are pursuing completion of the allocation process. When this is completed, disbursement process will begin. We apologize for the delay.”
They also encouraged their clients to pursue alternative funds before the HELB loan is released.
HELB Delays: University of Kabianga Closed Following Students Riot
