Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has called for the complete removal of interest charges on loans issued by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) to help graduates establish financial stability and livelihoods.
In a statement shared on X platform, Senator Olekina argued that Kenya’s youth deserve economic opportunities rather than burdensome debt.
He observed that high interest rates are straining young people, especially those who remain unemployed years after leaving school.
“We must scrap interest on Helb loans. Our youth deserve opportunity, not debt. When jobs are scarce, imposing a four per cent interest burden is unjust, especially on loans funded by taxpayers. President Ruto must act on this now,” Olekina said in a statement posted on X.
The senator’s remarks come amid growing concerns over youth unemployment and the increasing difficulty graduates face in repaying HELB loans.
Many young Kenyans have highlighted the challenge of securing formal employment while being expected to service loans that accrue interest.
Senator Olekina’s call adds to ongoing discussions about education financing reforms in Kenya. Similar sentiments have previously been raised by student leaders, youth advocates, and some members of parliament who argue for more flexible or subsidized repayment models.
A section of the public agreed with Olekina, maintaining that HELB loans ought to be interest-free and considered government education grants.
“HELB loans should not attract interest at all. They should be treated as government-supported education grants that are repaid solely to sustain the fund and give other needy students a chance to access higher education, not as a profit-making scheme targeting struggling graduates,” a Kenyan posted on X.
Some Kenyans urged the Narok Senator to pursue the issue through his legislative role and present it in Parliament.
“You have the forum to do this. Why are you telling the public instead of finding a way to have your MP friends introduce the bill that can achieve this?” a X user posed.
“Without taking this to Parliament, then these are just noise. You are a Senator and you know that X is not Senate,” another added.
Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is among the vocal lawmakers who have pushed for the scrapping of HELB loan interest, arguing that education is the government’s responsibility.
“Helb interest should be scrapped off because the government’s role is to educate you, but the government gives you a loan. So, who should educate whom?” he said.
“The government should educate you, not your parents,” Babu said on May 4.
