MP sponsors bill to allow under 18 students apply for HELB loans

The Higher Education Loans Board (Amendment) Bill, 2022 now seeks to remove the age restriction for applicants of HELB loans.

The bill that was sponsored by Joyce Kamene, Woman Rep for Machakos County, will now allow students below 18 years to access financing for their education.

This change would require such students to have their parents or guardians co-sign the loan agreement.
Under current regulations, students must be at least 18 years old and possess national ID to qualify for a Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loan.

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The National Assembly Committee on Education and Research, chaired by MP Julius Melly (Tinderet) had reviewed the draft Report of the Higher Education Loans Board (Amendment) Bill, 2022.
In accordance with the Constitution, the Committee had placed advertisements in major newspapers inviting Kenyans to submit their views on the Bill.

The Committee received submissions from the Ministry of Education, MP Kamene, the Kenya Law Reform Commission, the Office of the Attorney General and the public.

In the Report, lawmakers acknowledged that the Bill’s core objective is to expand access to higher education financing for all qualified students, regardless of age.

The Committee on Education and Research is expected to table a report in the National Assembly.

By Obegi Malack

obegimalack@gmail.com

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