Written by Lisa Murimi
Traffic along the busy Thika Road was brought to a standstill on Monday as Kenyatta University students staged protests over delayed disbursement of Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) funds.
The demonstrators barricaded both sides of the highway near the university, forcing motorists to seek alternative routes.
Traffic jams stretched from Githurai 44 to Kenyatta University, causing significant delays for commuters.
Footage obtained by local media showed scores of students marching on the highway, with some threatening to storm Anniversary Towers, the headquarters of HELB, to demand answers regarding the stalled loans.
This protest marks the second in less than a week.
On January 27, students took to the streets over prolonged electricity outages, which were resolved after their demonstration.
HELB delays have been a widespread issue, affecting students enrolled in universities and TVET institutions under the new funding model.
Many complain that their loan applications remain marked as “Still Running” or “Verified” without further updates.
Egerton University students have also issued a 12-hour ultimatum for loan disbursement, while a section of University of Nairobi students reportedly plans to march to Anniversary Towers.
Motorists have been advised to avoid Thika Road as authorities work to restore normal traffic flow.
