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ODM Leader Raila Odinga has on Tuesday October 19, 2020 vowed to convert student loans, often given to students in tertiary institutions by the Higher Education Loans Board, into a grant.

Raila, who was speaking to Chuka University students in Tharaka Nithi County, promised that should he ascend to power, he will make the loans a grant and free Kenyan youths from the huge debts that they owe the Higher Education Loans Board.

The former premier also reiterated his earlier promise to offer a cash transfer to jobless youths and persons living in poverty.

“I said that when we take over government, we will convert HELB into a grant. I also said that every family in our country that does not have a source of income, will get a monthly stipend of Ksh6,000,” he said.

His promise comes in the backdrop of a similar proclamation in Nairobi, that his government will write off student loan debts owed to the government.

Raila further stated that he has taken the onus to lead the country through a journey of economic recovery. He stated that his Azimio La Umoja campaign is geared at achieving an economic revolution that will stabilize the country’s economy, which he claims is still reeling from the effects of Covid-19 pandemic.