HELB introduces digital tools for student loan tracking

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has announced that students can track the status of their loan applications through several digital platforms, including the HEF portal, a USSD service (*642#), and the HELB mobile application. These tools allow applicants to monitor their progress remotely without visiting HELB offices.

This update follows concerns raised by HELB CEO Geoffrey Monari regarding a significant loan default. Approximately 290,000 beneficiaries owe the board Ksh29 billion. Monari noted that these unpaid funds could have supported roughly 48,000 students in completing their higher education.

Additionally, HELB is processing various financing programmes, including the 2026/27 Jielimishe Loan for salaried learners and the Civil Servants Training Revolving Fund, which offers loans of up to Ksh500,000 to employees in national and county governments, the National Police Service, and the Teachers Service Commission.