STUDENTS SET TO GO ON STRIKE TODAY

By Maritim Evans

Strike to force Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) to release money for subsequent applicants is set to kick off today at 1100hrs.

Comrades are determined to make sure that Helb CEO Charles Ringera release the money as fast as possible to evade the pending strike. It may not be business as usual on many roads near the University of Nairobi as many comrades are determined that they will not be deterred by anyone to stop the strike unless Helb board release the loan.

Students' leader Babu Owino addressing students at the University of Nairobi Main Campus Hostel. 

The students had given the board a five day ultimatum to release the funds failure to do so would make the students to strike.

“Five days are over and we have not received any good information from Ringera. What does he expect us to do? We are going to strike and all stones on Uhuru Highway will not remain unturned at the end of today,” University of Nairobi student who sought anonymity said. 

It was on Monday when students converged at Freedom Corner at Uhuru Park when Student Organisation of Nairobi University (SONU) Boss Babu Owino told the students to avoid striking because they were going on with negotiation with the Helb officials. It was at then when students gave the Helb board five days ultimatum to release the funds.

Students since Monday have been voicing their grievances on social media with some saying even the currently introduced smart card to gap misuse of the loan should be abolished with immediate effect.

“This money is not for free. We shall be expected to repay them in future and no one should guide us on how to use it. Will we be using the smart card to buy vegetables from mama mboga? Ringera is joking and we shall teach him a lesson on Friday,” a second year student at the University of Nairobi said adding that his parents have not given him pocket money and he is entirely depending on the loan that is yet to be released.

Today may not be a friendly day to Helb officials as the students are determined that the demonstration will go on as planned. SONU Boss Babu Owino has not commented on today’s strike. However, comrades are still standing on the decision they made on Monday after a planned strike was revoked.