The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is a government agency in Kenya that provides financial assistance to students pursuing higher education.
The board was established in 1995 under an Act of Parliament and is responsible for the management and disbursement of loans, bursaries, and scholarships to eligible students.
HELB provides loans to students who have been admitted to accredited institutions of higher learning in Kenya, both public and private, for courses that are recognized by the Commission for University Education (CUE).
The loans cover tuition fees, accommodation, and other related costs of studying.
HELB has different loan categories, including undergraduate loans, postgraduate loans, and TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) loans.
The amount of loan given depends on the level of study, the cost of the course, and the financial need of the student.
The loans are repayable after a grace period of one year after graduation or completion of studies.
However, getting clearance from HELB can be a daunting task for many students, and failure to obtain it can hinder their chances of employment or further studies.
In this article, we will guide you how to get HELB clearance certificate, eligibility criteria, application procedure, and repayment options.
Whether you are a recent graduate or a continuing student, this article will provide you with the necessary information to help you clear your HELB loan and avoid any unnecessary penalties or consequences.
Types of HELB clearance certificates
1. Loanee Compliance Certificate
The Loanee Compliance Certificate is issued to beneficiaries of HELB loans who are up to date with the HELB loan repayments.
It is also issued to beneficiaries who are still within the repayment grace period.
Once the beneficiary has completed repaying the loan, they are issued with the HELB Certificate of Clearance or simply the HELB Clearance Certificate.
2. Non-Loanee Compliance Certificate
If you did not benefit from HELB loan, you can apply for the Non-Loanee Compliance Certificate (HELB Clearance Certificate) from either the HELB Portal or eCitizen Portal.
Majority of Kenyans fall under the Non-Loanee Category and are eligible to get the HELB Clearance Certificate for free immediately they apply for one on eCitizen.
HELB clearance certificate requirements
This Certificate is issued to the beneficiaries of HELB loan who are up to date with their loan repayment.
It is also issued to the beneficiaries who are still within the repayment grace period.
Once a beneficiary has completed repaying the loan, he/she is issued Certificate of Clearance. This service is not charged.
How to get HELB clearance certificate
Before you can apply for the clearance certificate you will be required to create an account on the portal if you do not have one already.
Create an account on the HELB portal
- Log on to the HELB portal at helb.co.ke.
- Click on Apply for Compliance Certificate.
- Click on User registration and Pick ‘applicant registration’.
- Here you will get a new account creation page. From here all you need to do is provide your National ID details.
- Provide other details like email address and then validate and confirm your sign up.
Activate your HELB account
- Go to your email and locate the HELB account email.
- Click on the link provided and begin the activation process.
- Once you get the code, enter it and hit Proceed.
- This will create a HELB portal account to help you apply for other products.
How to apply for a HELB Clearance Certificate via Helb portal
- Log on to the HELB portal and go to the Online Service Tab
- Click on apply for Clearance Certificate
- Provide your phone number where you will receive a code that will enable you to proceed.
- You will receive a direct link to download your certificate
- Download and print your certificate.
How to apply for a HELB Clearance Certificate via eCitizen
- Visit the eCitizen Portal at https://www.ecitizen.go.ke
- Click on the sign in button located on the top right hand side of eCitizen website.
- Enter your national ID number as the username and type in your eCtizen password, then click on the login button to access your eCitizen account.
- Confirm if you are logging into the correct eCitizen account by checking your name etc.
- From your eCitizen account dashboard, click on Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) service request.
- A prompt display will appear asking you to confirm whether its you trying to access the service. Since you are in the process of downloading your Police Clearance Certificate on eCitizen, click on the continue button.
- Click on the link highlighted as HELB Clearance so as to generate your HELB Clearance Certificate.
- Proceed to click on the GET COMPLIANCE button.
- Download the Clearance Certificate and save the soft copy or even printing the hard copy of the HELB Compliance Certificate.
HELB contacts
Tel: +254 711 052 000
Email : contactcentre@helb.co.ke
What is the minimum threshold for HELB?
If you are still repaying the HELB loan, you will need to visit the HELB offices to get a compliance certificate.
If you had not been repaying the loan and you urgently need the certificate, where you will pay an instant amount of Ksh 4,500 or Ksh 1,500 for three months to get the compliance certificate.
For the compliance certificate, it is obtained at the HELB offices upon completion of loan repayment.
At the HELB offices, they will confirm that you have indeed completed repaying your loan and the clearance certificate will be handed to you immediately free of charge.
HELB repayment
Repayment is due 1 month after disbursement through monthly check-off system from the employer’s payroll for a maximum period of 72 months (6 years).
HELB loan interest charged
Applicable interest is 4% per year and an annual ledger fee of Ksh 1,000.
HELB monthly penalty
HELB’s monthly penalty is 5% per month.
All student loans deducted by employer must be remitted to HELB by the 15th day of the following month.
Failure to remit or delayed remittance may attract penalties of 5% per month.
HELB FAQs
Who is eligible to apply for HELB loans?
Students pursuing undergraduate and postgraduate programs.
I’m I eligible for a HELB loan in the 2nd year of my study if I did not apply in 1st year?
Sure, you are. However, a first-time applicant must submit an application during the window for first-time submissions.
What are the requirements for applying for a HELB loan?
- A copy of the applicant’s National ID card.
- Copies of the parents’ national identification cards or, if a parent is deceased, a death certificate
- Copies of the national ID cards for both guarantors
- A copy of the admission letter and KCSE result slip/certificate of the applicant
- A copy of the applicant’s bank or ATM cards (for government-sponsored students only)
- A copy of the institution’s Smart Card for the applicant
- One recent colour photo (passport size) of the applicant.
How can I apply for a loan from HELB?
For a step-by-step guide on how to apply for a HELB loan as a first-time applicant, read here.
How can I access the HELB student portal?
- Visit https://www.helb.co.ke/ to register on the HELB Portal.
- Once you are logged in, navigate to the student portal.
- You can apply for your loan, access the self-service, print your compliance certificate, and check the status of your loan.
How much does it cost to do the application?
Making a HELB loan application is free of charge. But for M-PESA to verify your mobile number, you will be charged Ksh 1.
The funds will be deposited into your loan repayment account.
How much loan can I get?
Depending on the institution, a government-sponsored student may pay up to Ksh 50,000 each year to train at a public institution in compliance with the current Cost Sharing Policy.
A maximum loan amount of Ksh50,000 and a bursary of Ksh 8,000 may be awarded out of this amount by HELB.
If you are self-sponsored, commonly known as parallel programmes HELB doesn’t currently offer financial assistance.
What if I do not have a smartphone, how can I apply?
You can start your application procedure by simply dialling *642#.
When can I apply for HELB?
HELB advertises in the print media, requesting loan applications. Applications are often received in the fourth quarter of the year.
The Board adheres to a deadline, and applications received after that date without cause are not processed.
The deadline for first-time applications this year is Wednesday, November 30, 2022.
How do I know that my loan application was successful?
You will get a notification confirming that your application was successful once you have finished the application procedure.
If I was awarded a loan but it’s not enough, can I request additional funds?
Yes, if you genuinely need more money, you can contest the amounts that have been given to you by filling out the loan review (appeal) form on the HELB website.
What is the applicable interest rate for HELB and when does it start to accrue?
Currently, all salaried candidates pay 12% interest each year, compared to 4% for direct entry students.
As soon as the first disbursement is made, interest will begin to accrue.
What will happen if I default on my HELB loan?
HELB charges a Ksh5,000 penalty fee every month.
How do I check for my loan status?
You can check your loan progress in the following ways
- Login to the HELB website and input your ID number.
- Send an email to contactcentre@helb.co.ke asking for your statement.
- Contact HELB by phone on 0722052000.