Education representatives have pressed the government to resolve delays in financing university and college students, noting that many families are resorting to informal lenders to keep children in school.

Boaz Waruku, policy advisor to the Elimu Bora Working Group, said thousands of learners remain stranded without confirmed funding despite earlier presidential commitments.

Waruku highlighted that some families abandoned community fundraising plans after relying on promised government support, only to face financial strain when the disbursement failed to materialise.

He warned that learners from low‑income households should not be forced into debt because of unfulfilled promises.

Proposed legislative changes

The working group has submitted a memorandum to Parliament seeking amendments to the law governing higher‑education financing, including the Tertiary Education Placement and Funding Bill that emphasizes universal placement and full government funding.

Waruku said the bill outlines the principle of universal funding but lacks a clear mechanism for implementation, which the memorandum aims to address.

Immediate steps urged for students and institutions

Waruku urged the government to clarify its stance on students affected by the September intake and to provide a concrete plan for placement and funding challenges.

He called for the Higher Education Loans Board and the University Fund to receive their allocations without delay so they can release interim funding to enrolled students.

He also appealed for immediate disbursement of funds to universities and colleges to sustain their operations amid the funding crisis.

Waruku concluded by urging Members of Parliament to treat the matter with urgency to alleviate pressures on students, families, and learning institutions.