I got a calling letter to join Moi University in 1996. Back then, joining a public university was a privilege and definitely a source of pride not only to the family but also to the entire village. Those who made it to the University were known and could be counted.
During my time, I knew of friends who were way ahead of me. My father, a civil servant then, had workplace difficulties and couldn’t support all seven of us in school and college. My mum had just established a local clinic at Esamwenyi, and it had yet to pick up. Even so, most of the locals would check in to be treated but were unable to pay.
The Journey to Campus
I remember my father escorting me to campus a day before and seeking overnight accommodation at Omwoha’s at Chepkoilel campus to make it in time the following day.
Armed with my metallic box and hope, we sauntered into Moi University and found such a sea of humanity. We managed to go through the rigours of registration and nearly missed out, were it not for the HELB promise.
The then Dean, a Mr Mureithi, sympathised with my situation and made a note to the finance team to allow us through.
HELB opens Jielimishe loan applications for salaried learners
Four Students, One Room and a Dream
I was allocated a room in the infamous ‘D-Hostel’ where we were sharing four of us shared. I didn’t even know there were double- and single-occupation rooms on campus.
And even if I did, it wouldn’t matter much, as my biggest desire had been realised — joining campus!
After settling me in, my dad left me with 600 shillings to start off life with a promise of further funding.
Of course, your guess is as good as mine.
HELB Made the Difference
Were it not for the KSh 8,000 bursary that I received from HELB, my life would have been a rollercoaster.
Aware that life was not going to be easy, I set up a milk-vending business in my room, G-11, which gradually upgraded to homemade yoghurt. My source of milk was a certain farmer by the name Talai, who neighboured the institution.
To access his farm, I had to negotiate a rickety bridge every morning. I am sure some of my former college mates had a taste of this yoghurt.
Without HELB, I would not have enrolled, let alone completed my studies.
HELB opens applications for 2026/27 postgraduate scholarships
From HELB Beneficiary to Loan Repayer
Fast forward, I got a job in one of the leading oil companies in Kenya and began earning.
For about three years, I never repaid HELB despite their numerous newspaper adverts requiring us to notify our employers. Who, in his right mind, will notify his employer so as to be deducted?
I dared them to catch me.
And for sure, one day after pay, I went to Barclays Bank Jeevanjee Branch to withdraw some cash through the ATM, only to realise a negative balance.
I was infuriated and quickly called the HR, Mr Evans Kinyua, to explain the negative account balance.
His reply literally “killed me.”
HELB had commenced their deductions.
I was humbled and quietly walked back to the office to strategise how the remainder of the month would be handled.
Folks, I dutifully paid the loan plus interest and was later given the clearance certificate.
HELB opens first-time loan & scholarship applications for university, TVET students
Universal University Funding Matters
There are so many students out there who perfectly fit my profile, and some are even worse off, who need a HELB in their life, or the so-called “universal funding”, be it a loan, a scholarship, or any other name.
What they care about is that they have access to university education.
For some of us, this was a make-or-break moment.
As one who interacts on a daily basis with the community on matters of education, I support any initiative that will ensure all qualifying students pursue university education.
Education Is an Equaliser
In my small way, I have endeavoured to support many needy cases amongst us to pursue studies, not out of abundance but out of the persuasion that education is an equaliser.
I have seen many drop out of colleges and universities as a result of exorbitant fees. I empathise with them, but individually, you can only do so much.
I cherish friends who have tirelessly supported this journey. May you guys never lack.
To Every Bright and Needy Student
And to all bright and needy students out there — your dreams are valid.
There is a God in heaven!
About the author
Noah Asanga Okaya is a Kenyan politician and corporate consultant who previously served as the Chief of Staff for the Vihiga County Government. He is heavily recognized for his philanthropic work and political engagements in Western Kenya, primarily within Luanda Constituency.
Political Career
He officially resigned from his county position to run for the Luanda Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) seat during the 2022 General Election underthe Amani National Congress (ANC) party ticket, which was part of the Kenya Kwanza coalition.
County Governance
Prior to entering active politics,he worked closely under VihigaG overnor Wilber Ottichilo before resigning to focus on Luanda constituency politics.He ran into trouble with the County Assembly largely due to his firm stand on transparency and accountability.
Corporate Consulting
Beyond public service,he played a key role in the Oil Gas sectorin Kenya having worked for Kenol Kobil (present day Rubis) as the Exports Manager witha vast experience in East and Central Africa markets. He is also the Lead Consultant at The Marketing Niche Ltd in Kenya. He equally has interests in the hospitality andeducation sector in Kenya.
Development Agenda
During his campaigns, he focused on promoting access toeducation for the undeserved population, expanding infrastructure, scaling up donor funding for water and sanitation, and modernization of Luanda town.
