This archive report was first published on 19 November 2019.
On November 18, 2019, Embakasi East MP Babu Owino sparked controversy when he stated that he would not repay his Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) loan.
During a TV interview, Owino, 30, argued that the loan was taken from taxpayers' money and therefore did not need to be repaid.
He claimed that the government had promised free education from primary to university level and that it was their responsibility to pay for his education.
However, Helb has asked all defaulters to explain how they intend to clear the loan within 30 days.
According to Helb, about 85,000 Kenyans owe Sh50 billion in loans, with Owino suggesting that most of them are unable to repay.
