KES. 30B allocated for HELB, internship programme for students starting next year.

Deputy President William Ruto addressing graduands of MKU during their 12th graduation ceremony on Friday. 

The government will from next year double its allocation for HELB loans from KES. 7.5 billion to KES. 15 billion to ensure all students get through university education without much challenges. This allocation will benefit students from both public and private universities.

While speaking at the 12^th Graduation Ceremony of Mount Kenya University (MKU) on Friday, Deputy President William Ruto acknowledged the numerous challenges graduates undergo in repaying these loans after college. He therefore directed the Ministry of Education to accord every student a 2-year grace period before demanding for repayment.

He added that the government also disbursed a total of KES. 500 million last year as loans for students in diploma and middle-level colleges to encourage enrolment.

“To add value on all these programmes and help create more jobs, we have allocated KES. 15 billion to ensure that all those who graduate from all our institutions of learning get a 12 month internship. 

This will give them the necessary experience for the job market and in job creation.

The deputy president said the government was now focusing on industrialisation through developing the necessary infrastructure and creating special economic zones around the country.

“We leverage technology and the digital platform. We are in the process of training 10,000 graduates, including those from secondary schools, in digital jobs through the ‘Ajira Digital’ Programme. We target a million jobs annually through this programme,” said Ruto.

Deputy President William Ruto outside the new 12-storey Alumni Plaza at the Thika main campus that will host all administration offices. The building was officially opened on Friday.

Ruto added that to achieve this, the government was increasing internet accessibility across the country and had targeted to provide internet to every ward in the next 12 months.

“We want to create 1,116 innovation hubs across the country and target to mentor 1 million entrepreneurs in the next 5 years.” 

A photo of the new building.

Earlier in the day, the deputy president officially opened the KES. 1 Billion 12-storey administration and innovation block at the MKU main campus dubbed the ‘Alumni Plaza’. This building hosts all administration offices including office of the Vice Chancellor, Council, Deputy Vice-Chancellors, Digital Varsity and Finance Directorate. From its floor top you can have a breath taking scenery of Kiambu County.