Former nominated senator Millicent Omanga has revealed that one of the most defining moments of her early university life involved financial struggles that were eased through support from her husband. According to her account, her husband stepped in to pay her first campus school fees, using his HELB loan to ensure she could begin her studies without interruption.
Omanga shared that at the time, higher education came with significant financial pressure, and many students relied heavily on the Higher Education Loans Board, HELB, to survive. She noted that her husband’s decision to use his loan for her fees was a sacrifice that helped stabilize her academic journey during a challenging period.
She explained that such acts of support played a crucial role in her success, emphasizing the importance of partnership and sacrifice in marriage. Her story has sparked conversation online, with many Kenyans reflecting on how families often rely on loans, shared responsibilities, and personal sacrifices to achieve educational goals.
Omanga also used her experience to highlight broader issues affecting students, particularly the rising cost of education and the heavy dependence on HELB loans among university learners. Her remarks come at a time when many students continue to face financial difficulties in accessing and completing higher education.
The former senator’s disclosure adds to ongoing public discussions about education financing in Kenya and the role of family support systems in helping students complete their studies successfully.