Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Amina Mohamed has announced that going forward, accessing HELB loans will be done exclusively through the use of Smart Cards.
Following the directive, the 69,151 students set to join universities in September 2018 will have have to comply with the directive to receive the government's funding.
In addition, all technical and vocational education training (TVET) institutions have been ordered to implement the smart card solution by December 31, 2018.
[caption caption="Education CS Amina Mohamed during the meeting"]
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Speaking on Wednesday, CS Amina indicated that the move will ensure full implementation of the smart card solution in all learning institutions in the country.
The CS made the remarks during a press briefing at the HELB headquarters in Nairobi where she announced enhanced TVET funding for the financial year 2018/2019.
"The cards will ensure effective and efficient management of funds that have been invested in the education sector by the government.
"I also remind universities that as earlier directed, this smart card solution must be in place in September this year," the CS asserted.
Amina further emphasized the government's commitment to providing affordable education and accessible at all levels.
"Our goal at the Ministry of Education (MoE) is to facilitate access to higher learning for more Kenyan Youth," CS Amina noted.
CS Amina further highlighted that the government needs adequate and skilled human capital to elevate the youth and the country to the next levels of development.
[caption caption="Education CS Amina Mohamed chairing the meeting"]
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"I encourage young secondary school graduates to apply for admission in approved MoE TVET institutions and apply for HELB TVET loans.
"The government through the MoE will ensure that resources are allocated to HELB to enable it to achieve universal funding for all Kenyans enrolled in tertiary institutions" the CS concluded.
