Students in higher institutions of learning in Vihiga County stand a chance to benefit greatly from Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) if a proposal to set up a revolving fund for loans to the students is adopted by the County Executive and the County Assembly, according to HELB Chairperson Ekwe Ethuro.
The Chairperson confirmed that there will be continued support from the institution to students from Vihiga.
He urged Governor Ottichilo to fast track the process of adopting the fund for it to take effect as soon as possible. “You can borrow a leaf from the neighboring Counties like Kakamega and Busia who have already rolled out the programme,” said Ekwe Ethuro.
He further noted that the national government has allocated close to Kshs 40 Billion to TVETs and the Counties should maximize the opportunity by encouraging the students to apply for the loans as the applicants are currently low.
Governor Ottichilo on the other hand was quick to note that education transforms the society and therefore students will be advised to take up the funds.
He confirmed his willingness in adopting the fund which will see the 4500 students in TVET get more funding and creating room for more expertise in the County, as well as boosting morale of students joining the technical institutions because of proper funding.