How to Check Your HELB Loan Statement and Repay Online in Kenya

For many Kenyan graduates, checking a HELB loan balance is something they postpone until a job application, compliance request or repayment deadline makes it urgent. The good news is that HELB now provides digital self-service options that let borrowers view statements, make payments and track whether payments have been allocated to their loan account.

Where to check your HELB loan statement

HELB states that borrowers can download a personal loan statement through the HELB portal or the HELB mobile application. If you are using the web, start from the official HELB website and follow the portal links rather than relying on links sent through social media or messaging apps.

How to repay your HELB loan online

HELB says individual borrowers can repay through its USSD service, the HELB mobile app or the HELB portal. The repayment process now uses the eCitizen payment gateway.

Option 1: USSD

  1. Dial *642#.
  2. Log in and choose Loan Repayment.
  3. Select the repayment option.
  4. Choose whether you want to clear the full amount or pay a specific amount.
  5. Confirm the payment request and follow the eCitizen/M-PESA prompts.

Option 2: HELB portal

  1. Open the official HELB/HEF portal.
  2. Go to the HELB self-service section.
  3. Select Loan Repayment and choose Make Payment.
  4. Enter the amount you want to pay.
  5. Select your preferred payment method and complete the transaction.

HELB notes that after payment you should receive confirmation from the payment channel and, once the amount is allocated, an update from HELB. Do not assume that an M-PESA confirmation alone means the loan statement has already updated.

Why you should keep checking the statement

Your HELB loan remains your responsibility even where deductions are being made through an employer. HELB specifically advises borrowers to keep checking their statements until the loan is fully cleared. This can help you spot an unallocated payment, a deduction that was not remitted, or a balance that needs clarification.

HELB compliance certificate vs clearance certificate

These two documents are not the same.

  • Compliance Certificate: HELB says this can be issued to beneficiaries who are up to date with repayment, including borrowers who are still within the applicable grace period. Non-beneficiaries can also obtain a non-loanee compliance certificate. HELB says the service is free.
  • Clearance Certificate: This is issued after a borrower has completed repayment of the loan.

What to do if a payment does not reflect

First, keep your payment confirmation, invoice number and transaction reference. Recheck your statement after the payment has had time to be allocated. If the payment still does not appear, use HELB’s official support channels and provide the transaction details requested.

Safety tips when using HELB services

  • Use the official HELB website and portal links.
  • Never share your M-PESA PIN or account password.
  • Keep payment confirmations until they appear on your statement.
  • Confirm that you are paying through the official eCitizen/HELB process before authorising a payment.
  • Be cautious of anyone promising to “clear” a HELB balance for a fee.

Official sources

This guide was prepared from information published by the Higher Education Loans Board. For the latest procedures, visit the HELB loan repayment page, the HELB loanees FAQs and the HELB compliance certificate page.

Related: Daily Report KE also publishes practical guides on verifying financial and public services before sharing money or personal information.

Kelvin Kibet

Kelvin Kibet is a journalist and multimedia professional with more than six years of experience in journalism, digital media, content production, and newsroom operations.As Editor-in-Chief of Daily Report KE, Kelvin provides editorial leadership and oversees the quality, accuracy, and integrity of the platform's published content. He works with the editorial team to ensure that stories are properly reviewed, fact-checked, contextualized, and presented in accordance with professional journalistic standards.His responsibilities include supervising reporting processes, coordinating newsroom operations, reviewing stories before publication, strengthening editorial procedures, and maintaining standards of accuracy, fairness, and responsible journalism.Kelvin has experience in news reporting, digital journalism, multimedia storytelling, video production, community journalism, and editorial management. He is committed to producing informative, accurate, and public-interest content for Daily Report KE's readers.Areas of Expertise News Reporting Digital Journalism Multimedia Storytelling Investigative Reporting Community Journalism Editorial Management Video Production Content Production Key Responsibilities Editorial leadership and oversight Story review and publishing standards Fact-checking and verification Newsroom coordination Editorial planning and content development Newsroom ethics and quality control Maintaining accuracy and responsible journalism