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 HELB loan, which he took to fund his university education.
During a TV interview, Owino argued that the loan was essentially a grant from the government, and therefore, he should not be expected to repay it.
"I will not repay that (HELB) loan. It is taxpayers' money. It is not a loan we took from China. I was called to come and acquire knowledge at the University of Nairobi. It is the work of the government to pay for my education. They (government) promised us free primary and secondary education. University education should also be free," Owino said.
HELB has since asked all defaulters to explain how they intend to clear the loan within 30 days. At the time, about 85,000 Kenyans had been unable to repay Sh50 billion to HELB, with Owino suggesting that most of them were unable to do so.
