The Higher Education Loans Board has dismissed circulating reports of a Ksh 9.46 billion mass disbursement, urging students to verify information through official channels only

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has issued a public warning against fraudulent communication claiming the organization disbursed billions of shillings to over 300,000 students, terming the reports as fake and misleading.

Fraudulent Letter Sparks Confusion Among Students

A forged letter, allegedly signed by Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba, circulated widely on social media platforms claiming HELB had released Ksh 9.46 billion to beneficiaries. The fake notice purported that Ksh 5.76 billion was allocated for tuition fees while Ksh 3.7 billion covered student upkeep expenses.

The fabricated communication caused widespread confusion and anxiety among students and parents awaiting legitimate disbursements as educational institutions reopened.

“Please note that student upkeep disbursement has been ongoing as institutions reopen. Students are advised to rely only on official HELB communication platforms for accurate and up-to-date information,” HELB stated in a clarification.

How to Apply for HELB Student Loans: A Step-by-Step Guide

Eligibility Requirements

• Be a Kenyan citizen
• Have an admission letter from a recognized institution
• Demonstrate financial need
• Be enrolled in an accredited program

Application Process

1. Visit the HELB Portal Go to www.helb.co.ke and create an account

2. Register

• Provide your personal details
• Enter your ID number and phone number
• Create a password

3. Complete the Application Form

• Fill in student details
• Provide parent/guardian information
• Enter institution and course details
• Submit financial background information

4. Upload Required Documents

• National ID copy
• Admission letter
• Fee structure from your institution
• Parents’/guardians’ ID copies
• KCSE certificate or equivalent

5. Submit Application Review all details and submit your application online

6. Wait for Processing HELB will assess your application and communicate the outcome through SMS and email

Important Notes

• Apply early before the deadline
• Ensure all information is accurate
• Check your application status regularly on the portal
• Keep your phone number and email active for updates
• Disbursements are sent directly to your institution for fees and to your bank account for upkeep

Need Help?

Contact HELB:

• Call Center: 0800221823
• Email: info@helb.co.ke
• Visit HELB offices nationwide

Remember: Only use official HELB platforms to avoid falling victim to fraudulent schemes.

Official Disbursements Continue Through Proper Channels

HELB confirmed that while regular disbursements for student upkeep are proceeding as universities and colleges resume operations, all authentic updates are communicated exclusively through recognized official platforms.

The board emphasized that students should verify any information regarding loan disbursements directly through HELB’s verified communication channels to avoid falling victim to misinformation.

HELB Intensifies Loan Recovery Amid Rising Default Rates

In a separate development, HELB has called upon past beneficiaries who have completed their education to refund their loans, enabling other Kenyan students to access higher education financing.

The board escalated its loan recovery efforts in late 2024 by engaging private sector employers, a strategy that resulted in many defaulters resuming repayments.

Professionals Lead in Loan Defaults

HELB Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Monari identified professionals in the private sector as the highest defaulters, with accountants, doctors, lawyers, and engineers topping the list.

According to HELB statistics, only 11 percent of accountants who received loans are actively repaying. This translates to 2,420 out of 20,420 accounts, leaving approximately 18,000 accountants in default.

The medical profession shows similarly concerning figures, with only 18 percent of doctors repaying their loans. Out of 11,501 practicing doctors, just 2,115 are fulfilling their repayment obligations.

Billions Owed by Graduates

HELB data reveals that 51,594 graduates from over 20 years ago collectively owe the organization Ksh 8 billion, highlighting the magnitude of the repayment crisis.

The legal profession displays high default rates, with only 2,644 out of more than 23,000 lawyers financed by HELB making repayments. The engineering sector presents equally troubling statistics, where out of 24,803 beneficiaries, merely 1,594 have completed payments and only 894 are actively repaying.

Stricter Recovery Strategies Implemented

Monari noted that graduates transitioning into private practice were most likely to delay repayment, prompting HELB to implement stricter recovery strategies targeting these professional groups.

The board’s enhanced recovery drive reflects growing concerns over the rising number of beneficiaries failing to honor their loan obligations years after completing their studies, which threatens the sustainability of the student loan scheme.

Students and the public are advised to remain vigilant against fraudulent communications and to verify all HELB-related information through official channels to avoid being misled by fake notices circulating online.