By Esnart Chingwalu

University of Malawi students have expressed gratitude with the newly increased upkeep allowance saying it will address challenges that students face in the public universities.

This follows the announcement made by government to increase the student’s upkeep allowance from K200, 000 to K350, 000 per year.

Speaking to YFM online, students union president, Charles Dokera, said it is a welcome development which has pleased the students, however, he was quick to say that they will still engage the authorities to increase the money further saying the current increase does not reflect the amount which they asked from the government.

Dokeara said: “We consider this increment as a positive development and it’s an indication that our concerns that we presented to government are being taken seriously.”

He further said the students will engage government to further increase the money saying the cost of living is rising every day.

According to Dokera, the students proposed the amount to be increased to K480, 000.

The Higher Education Student’s Loans and Grants Board recently announced an upwards adjustment of upkeep allowance to college students from K200, 000 to K350, 000.