In his maiden address during the inauguration ceremony of South African President Cyril Ramaphosa, Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua drew attention to the pressing issue faced by Kenyan students in South Africa: the exorbitant school fees they are required to pay. This significant concern was brought to light during the meeting, highlighting the financial burdens faced by many Kenyan families.
Deputy President Gachagua emphasized that these high fees are a result of Kenyan students being categorized as foreign nationals, which significantly inflates their educational expenses. This financial strain has become a significant barrier for many Kenyan students who aspire to pursue their studies in South African institutions.
In response to this issue, Gachagua proposed a solution aimed at alleviating the financial burden on these students. He announced that all affected Kenyan students would be included in the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) program. This inclusion is intended to provide financial assistance and cushion them from the high fees they incur due to their foreign national status.
“We have the issue of school fees for Kenyan children who are charged very highly because they are deemed to be foreigners. We will let them be included in the HELB program,” the Deputy President stated. This move is expected to provide much-needed relief to the students and their families, enabling them to continue their education without the overwhelming worry of financial constraints.
The announcement has been met with a sense of relief and hope among the Kenyan student community in South Africa. Many students have expressed their gratitude towards the Kenyan government for acknowledging their plight and taking concrete steps to address it. The inclusion in the HELB program will not only provide financial relief but also reaffirm the government’s commitment to supporting its citizens abroad.
Education stakeholders in both Kenya and South Africa have welcomed this development. They believe that such initiatives are crucial in fostering stronger educational ties between the two countries and ensuring that students can pursue their academic goals without undue financial hardship.
The Deputy President’s speech at President Ramaphosa’s inauguration underscored the importance of international cooperation in addressing educational challenges faced by students studying abroad. It also highlighted the Kenyan government’s proactive approach in ensuring that its citizens receive the necessary support, irrespective of where they are pursuing their education.
As the HELB program extends its support to Kenyan students in South Africa, it is expected that more students will be able to access quality education without the hindrance of high fees. This move not only addresses an immediate financial concern but also paves the way for a more inclusive and supportive educational environment for Kenyan students studying abroad.
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