For many young people in Kenya, joining university is a dream come true. It is a chance to get an education, build a career, and change the future of their families. But for many students, this dream also comes with financial struggles. School fees, rent, food, and transport are expensive. This is why many students depend on HELB loans to survive in campus.
The Higher Education Loans Board, known as HELB, has helped thousands of students continue with their education. Every year students wait eagerly to know whether their loans have been approved. Once the money is sent, many feel relieved. Tuition fees are paid, rent problems reduce, and students can buy basic needs like food and books.
For students from poor families, HELB is more than just a loan. It is hope. Some parents struggle to provide even the smallest amount of money for school. Others depend on small businesses or farming to support their children. Without HELB, many students would be forced to defer studies or drop out completely.
Campus life is not easy. Many students try to balance classes with financial pressure. Some skip meals while others stay in school with very little money. In such moments, HELB becomes the support that helps them continue with their studies.
However, life after graduation tells a different story. Many graduates leave university expecting to find jobs quickly, but this is not always the case. Some stay for months or even years without stable employment. Even during this struggle, HELB repayment is expected to continue.
This creates pressure for many young graduates. Interest increases and penalties are added when payments delay. Some employers also ask for HELB clearance certificates during job applications. For unemployed graduates, this becomes another challenge in an already difficult situation.
Despite these problems, many people still appreciate the role HELB plays in education. Thousands of professionals in Kenya today were able to finish school because of the loan. Teachers, nurses, journalists, and engineers all passed through university with HELB support.
Many young people now want better repayment plans that consider unemployment and the high cost of living. They believe graduates should be given more time before repayment begins.
HELB remains an important part of education in Kenya. For students it brings hope and opportunity. For graduates it brings responsibility and pressure. Even with its challenges, it continues to open doors for many young people chasing their dreams.
