Kenya Higher Education Loans Board operations

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) in Kenya has initiated the application process for 2026/2027 subsequent loans for continuing university and college students. To increase accessibility, the board introduced a USSD-based application method via *642# that allows students to apply without a smartphone or internet connection. This process requires students to register using their National Identification serial and ID numbers and create a four-digit PIN.

To assist applicants, HELB has introduced digital tools to track loan application status remotely. Students can monitor their progress through the HEF portal, the USSD service, or the HELB mobile application, reducing the need to visit physical offices.

However, the board continues to face significant financial challenges due to loan defaults. CEO Geoffrey Monari reported that approximately 290,000 beneficiaries have defaulted on loans, amounting to Ksh29 billion. Monari warned that these unpaid debts jeopardize the sustainability of the revolving fund, noting that the outstanding amount could have supported roughly 48,000 students in completing their higher education.

Beyond standard student loans, HELB is currently processing various financing programmes. These include the 2026/27 Jielimishe Loan for salaried learners and the Civil Servants Training Revolving Fund, which provides loans of up to Ksh500,000 to employees within the national and county governments, the Teachers Service Commission, and the National Police Service.

Following complaints from students regarding network-related issues and other difficulties during the initial period, the deadline for subsequent loan applications has been extended to September 21, 2026. This extension follows a directive from Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba to ensure all eligible applicants can access funding. Additionally, CS Ogamba confirmed that Ksh22.12 billion has already been disbursed for first-semester and first-term funding to continuing university students and TVET trainees.