FAQS

Undergraduate Loans

The Board’s objective is to give financial support to needy Kenyan students in institutions of higher learning both locally and abroad. However, due to financial constraints, it is currently not in a position to provide loans to students studying outside the country and those on Self-Sponsored Programmes (commonly known as the ‘Parallel Programmes’). Therefore, at the moment, it gives loans to the following category of students.

How much loan can one get?

In accordance with the current Cost Sharing Policy, a student is required to pay Kshs.50,000/- per year to train at a public university. Out of this amount, HELB can award a maximum loan and bursary of Kshs.50,000/- and a bursary of Kshs.8,000.

How do I check for my loan

1. Access the HELB website and enter your ID number
2. Send an email to requesting for your statement to contactcentre@helb.co.ke.
3. Call HELB on 0722052000
4. Email contactcentre@helb.co.ke

When can one apply for a HELB loan?

HELB places advertisements in the print media in which it invites applications for loans. The Board maintains a deadline and those applications received after the deadline without justifiable reasons are not processed.

When are Loan Awards released?

HELB releases loan results before the new academic year starts. Thereafter, students who fail to secure a loan or are awarded inadequate amounts are encouraged to appeal. Each appeal is reviewed on its own merit. If one fails to get a loan, the following could be possible reasons:
a) The student may not have provided adequate information about him/herself as requested
b) The student may have provided false information on the loan application form

TVET Loans

Technical, Vocational & Education Training (TVET) loans and bursaries are awarded to students pursuing technical courses in the public TVET Institutions recognized by the Ministry of Education (MoE), a member of The Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) and placed by Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).

TVET LOAN APPLICATION FAQs

Who is eligible for a HELB TVET Loan?

i. Students in the public Technical, Vocational & Education Training (TVET) Institutes recognized by the Ministry of Education (MoE), a member of The Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI) and placed by Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS)

ii. Direct Entry Self-Sponsored Students in the public Technical, Vocational & Education Training (TVET) Institutes recognized by the Ministry of Education (MoE), a member of The Kenya Association of Technical Training Institutions (KATTI)

How do I know if the college is a member of KATTI

Log in to www.helb.co.ke to download the list of colleges who are members of KATTI

How do you apply?

a. Visit www.helb.co.ke to register.

b. Log in, select and fill in the required Loan Application Form (either First Time or subsequent) for the respective program (TVET, Undergraduate or Continuing education) from the HELB website.

c. Print two copies of the duly filled Loan Application Form.

d. Have the form appropriately filled, signed and stamped by the relevant authorities and guarantors (for first time applicants only) and by the Dean (for subsequent applicants)

e. Sign the form and attach all the necessary documents as indicated in the checklist appearing on the last page of the Loan Application Form.

f. Present one copy of the duly completed Loan Application Form and all the attached supporting documents at any of the following:

i. Select Huduma Centres: Nairobi, Kakamega, Eldoret, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nyeri, Embu, Machakos, Kisii, Bungoma, Turkana, Meru, Kitui, Kericho, Nandi (Kapsabet), Thika, Garissa, Kitale and Muranga for free and secure delivery to HELB Head Office.

ii. HELB Student Centre on Mezzanine One (M1), Anniversary Towers, University Way, Nairobi

g. Retain one copy of the duly filled loan application form Remember: The HELB Loan Application process is free. Do not pay anyone to process your HELB Loan.

I don’t have an ID card; can I apply for a HELB loan?

Unfortunately this is not possible at the moment. The national ID is proof of attainment of majority age. The HELB Loan Application form is a contract and legally we are not in a position to enter into a contract with a minor.

Is it compulsory to apply for a HELB loan?

No. You should apply for a HELB loan only if you are in need of the funds

What is the applicable interest rate and when does it start to accrue?

The interest is currently 4% per annum for direct entry students and 12% for all salaried applicants. The interest will start to accrue immediately after the first disbursement

Am I eligible for a loan in 2nd year if I did not apply in 1st year?

Yes you are. However one will be required to apply as a first time applicant during the first time applications window

What if I was awarded a loan but it is not enough, can I request for additional funds

Yes, if you have a genuine need for additional funds, you can appeal amounts awarded to you by completing the loan review (appeal) form on www.helb.co.ke

If I discontinue my education, do I have to pay amount awarded to me even if I didn’t complete my education?

Yes, once you are awarded a HELB loan, you will be required to fully repay the amount in accordance with the terms & conditions as well as the interest accrued thereafter and penalties incurred (if any)

I have a sibling who didn’t qualify for HELB loan. Can I share the amount I was awarded with him/her then we share repayment?

Tuition is disbursed directly to the loan applicant’s learning institution. However, any willing individual can help you repay your HELB Loan.

What if I can’t remember my password for the HELB Online Portal?

Use the “forgot password” option available on the portal to recover your account

What if I can’t see the HELB portal activation link on my email?

Please check your junk or spam emails

Why is my ‘Application Form Defective’?

If any or all of the following are missing then the application is defective and your form will not be processed:

a. Missing signatures and stamps: i.e. applicants’ signature, parents/guardian, priest, Chief or Assistant chief, Commissioner of Oaths or Magistrate and bank. Please note that signatures and stamping is mandatory.

b. Missing documents: if any of the documents on the checklist haven’t been attached then the form will be termed defective. These include: KCSE result slip, Admission letter; if orphaned, copy/copies of parent/s death certificate; if sponsored in High school, a confirmation letter from the school or sponsor and a colored passport size photo which is to be attached to the form before submission.

c. Scanned copies: the forms to be submitted should be the original copies and not scanned copies, if one submits the scanned copy then it is termed defective since it’s not the original.

d. 2nd & Subsequent loan application forms: All the subsequent application forms MUST be signed and stamped by the Dean of students.

Afya Elimu Loans

The Afya Elimu Fund is a partnership product of USAID funded FUNZOKenya and Human Resources for Health (HRH) Kenya Projects implemented by IntraHealth International Inc., the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), Ministry of Health, and the private sector through Kenya Healthcare Federation. The Fund offers affordable loans to needy students pursuing medical training at pre-service (i.e. Diploma & Certificate level only).

Afya Elimu Fund FAQs

Who is eligible for the loan?

Students enrolled in the mid-level medical training colleges and faith-based medical training institutions recognized by the Ministry of Education.

How do you apply for the AEF Loan?

Visit www.helb.co.ke to register. Log in, select and fill in the required Loan Application Form (either First Time or subsequent) for the respective program (Afya Elimu Loan) from the HELB website. Print TWO copies of the duly filled Loan Application Form. Have the form appropriately filled, signed and stamped by the relevant authorities and guarantors (for first time applicants only) and by the Dean (for subsequent applicants) Sign the form and attach all the necessary documents as indicated in the checklist appearing on the last page of the Loan Application Form. Present one copy of the duly completed Loan Application Form and all the attached supporting documents at any of the following:
Select Huduma Centres: Nairobi, Kakamega, Eldoret, Nakuru, Mombasa, Kisumu, Nyeri, Embu, Machakos, Kisii, Bungoma, Turkana, Meru, Kitui, Kericho, Nandi (Kapsabet), Thika, Garissa, Kitale and Muranga for free and secure delivery to HELB Head Office.

HELB Student Service Centre on Mezzanine One (M1), Anniversary Towers, University Way, Nairobi. Retain one copy of the duly filled loan application form (Mandatory) Remember: The HELB Loan Application process is free. Do not pay anyone to process your HELB Loan.

I don’t have an ID card; can I apply for a HELB Afya Elimu Loan?

Unfortunately this is not possible at the moment. The national ID is proof of attainment of majority age. The Afya Elimu loan application is a contract and legally we are not in a position to enter a contract with a minor.

Is it compulsory to apply for the Afya Elimu Funds?

No. You should apply for the loan only if you are in need of the funds.

What is the applicable interest rate and when does it start to accrue?

The interest is currently 4% per annum and will start to accrue immediately after the first disbursement.

Am I eligible for the loan in 2nd year if I did not apply in 1st year?

Yes you are. However one will be required to apply as a first time applicant during the first time applications window.

What if I was awarded a loan but it is not enough, can I request for additional funds?

Yes, if you have a genuine need for additional funds, you can appeal amounts awarded to you by completing the loan review [appeal] form on www.helb.co.ke

If I discontinue my education, do I have to pay amount awarded to me even if I didn’t complete my education?

Yes, once you are awarded a HELB loan, you will be required to fully repay the amount in accordance with the terms & conditions as well as the interest accrued thereafter and penalties incurred (if any)

I have a sibling who didn’t qualify for HELB loan. Can I share the amount I was awarded with him/her then we share repayment?

Tuition is disbursed directly to the loan applicant’s learning institution. However, any willing individual can help you repay your HELB Loan.

What if I can’t remember my password for the HELB Online Portal?

Use the “forgot password” option available on the portal to recover your account

What if I can’t see the HELB portal activation link on my email?

Please check your junk or spam emails

I got a message that my Afya Elimu Fund LAF was defective. What could be the reason?

If any or all of the following are missing then the application form is defective and your loan will not be processed:

Missing signatures and stamps: i.e. applicants’ signature, parents/guardian, priest, Chief or Assistant chief, Commissioner of Oaths or Magistrate and bank. Please note that signatures and stamping is MANDATORY.

1. Missing documents: if any of the documents on the checklist haven’t been attached then the form will be termed defective. These include: KCSE result slip, Admission letter; if orphaned, copy/copies of parent/s death certificate; if sponsored in High school, a confirmation letter from the school or sponsor and a colored passport size photo which is to be attached to the form before submission.

2. Scanned copies: the forms to be submitted should be the original copies and not scanned copies, if one submits the scanned copy then it is termed defective since it’s not the original.

3. 2nd & Subsequent loan application forms: All the subsequent application forms MUST be signed and stamped by the Dean of students.

What is the extent of cover for the AEF Loan?

The loan currently caters for tuition fees only.

To which account will my AEF Loan be paid?

All money is paid to the training institution account as tuition fee; in the case of KMTC, money is sent to the central collection account and KMTC Campuses receive schedules of the payments.

In case of surplus where school fees is less than the awarded amount what happens?

The student should notify HELB through the contacts provided (below) so that the excess funds can be recovered to avoid the amounts being recovered from the students upon completion of their studies.

What if the applicant is a final year student with nil balances, what happens to the disbursed loan?

The student should notify HELB so that the amount is reversed from their school account and the loanees account update.

Can the excess money from the Afya Elimu Fund be transferred to other genuine needy students in the institutions?

No. All excess money shall be sent back to HELB to assist other needy students.

NB. Credit balance for continuing students shall be forwarded to the next academic year and the student should apply for a lesser amount in the subsequent year.

How often do you send Loan statement?.

To know your loan status visit our website: Helb Loan

What are the modes of repayment?

Check off system, Credit card, Standing order, Cash/Cheque deposits to HELB Account, Mpesa

How do I pay my loan from abroad?

Credit card or Direct Transfer to HELB account number 300 040 012, Citibank Nairobi. Swift code CITIKENA

What happens if I default?

You will be penalized. For each month that remains unpaid you pay a fine of not less than five thousand shillings.

Can you clear in one installment?

Yes, without any extra charges.

Why charge ledger fees?

For maintenance of the account.

What happens when I clear my loan?

You will be issued with a certificate of clearance.

How do you tell where I am?

Within one year of completion of your studies or earlier you are supposed to inform the Board of your whereabout.

What happens if I overpay?

HELB shall refund the overpayment.

How long does it take to get a refund?

A maximum of one month

What if I die before clearing the loan?

HELB can waive the loan upon request from your next of kin.

What happens if I change employers?

You continue paying with the new employer.

Loans are not recoverable after six years. Is it applicable in your case?

No.

Can interest be waived for Muslims?

No. Accepting to pay interest is one of the conditions to qualify for the loan.

Do you repay the loan if you are on probation?

Yes.

How do you determine the monthly deduction rate?

We are supposed to deduct up to 25% of the basic Salary.

Payslip balance does not tally with that in HELB statement?

Payslip balance includes both accrued and projected interest. HELB balance includes accrued interest.

My payslip balance reads zero, does that mean I have cleared loan repayment?

Not necessarily. Please confirm with your loan statement and seek clearance from HELB.

Does my employer need authority from me to make loan deductions?

No.

Can I instruct my employer to start deductions without first consulting HELB?

No.

My employer stopped deductions from my pay, that’s not my mistake.

Loan repayment is your responsibility. Please keep track of your repayment until completion..

What happens if an employer does not remit the deductions made?

A penalty 5% per month is charged on the employer for every deduction that remains unpaid.

How do I receive my completion certificate?

1.Send an email requesting for your statement to certificates@helb.co.ke
2.Call our contact centre on 0711052000

No Query Response

1.Access the HELB website and enter your ID number
2.Send an email to repayments@helb.co.ke requesting for your statement

How can I repay my loan?

1. By depositing cash or cheque into the HELB collection accounts
2.By direct debit
3.By credit card
4.By a standing order through your credit card
5.Via Mpesa pay bill number 200800
Note: Details on how to execute the above can be obtained from the loan repayment information section of the HELB website

How do I forward a query to HELB

1.Download the enquiry form from the HELB website, fill it out and email it to enquiries@helb.co.ke
2.Access the HELB website and enter your ID number to obtain the name of your account manager and call 0711052000

How do I know a HELB beneficiary/loanee?

Upon recruitment of any person, kindly check using the HELB Employers Portal on www.helb.co.ke. Your recruitment policy may also include all new staff to declare their credit status with HELB.

What happens when a loanee disputes or declines to be deducted from payslip?

Refer the loanee to HELB. The dispute should be put in writing. Deductions must however continue until otherwise advised by HELB.

How do I remit deductions?

Please login to employer portal on HELB website and submit monthly deduction list (by-product). You will get an e-slip with bank details.

How do I get employee loan repayment statement?

Loanees/employees can individually generate statement of loan repayment from our website www.helb.co.ke.

How much do I deduct from employees salary?

Please login to employer portal on HELB website and submit employee data, you will get loanees outstanding balance and monthly rate of deduction

1. Loanee:

   someone who benefitted from HELB loan while he/she was pursuing his/her higher education. A loanee can also be a current or a former student who is benefitting or who benefitted from HELB loan.

2. Billing schedule: a repayment plan given to an employer [by HELB] to make a specific deduction, within a specific period, towards repayment of HELB loan.
3. Remittance Schedule: a record showing amounts discharged/transferred to HELB after deductions from the beneficiaries’ salaries. The schedule specifies the month, amount and the list of employees who have been deducted towards HELB loan repayment.

A: Visit HELB website: www.helb.co.ke, on the top right, click Employers Portal.

Q: What services can I get from the portal?

A: You can

• disclose a list of your employees-to determine those who benefitted from HELB loan
• generate remittance schedules for HELB beneficiaries in your organization
• You can discharge the employee deductions

Q: How can I determine [from my staff list] those who benefitted from HELB loans?

A: Upload your staff list [using the csv excel format] in the portal. The portal will generate a list of beneficiaries with their outstanding loan balances as well as the non-beneficiaries.

Q: How much will I be expected to deduct from each loanee/beneficiary?

A: Upon disclosure, you will be able to generate a list of all HELB beneficiaries in your organization, their loan balances and their monthly repayable amounts. This will form the basis of your deductions.