HELB has opened its application portal and called for applications from first-time applicants who are pursuing undergraduate and TVET courses for Helb loans and scholarship opportunities. HELB has also issued a clear and precise guideline that students should meet to make their application smooth and further appealed to all the students in these categories to take advantage of this offer ahead of the deadline.
Key Requirements for HELB Loan Application
1. Working Phone Number and Email Address
Throughout the application process, communication and verification are allowed on any functional phone number and email address that applicants may possess.
2. KCPE and KCSE Exam Details
An applicant shall fill in his KCPE and KCSE index numbers and the year of examinations.
3. Passport-Size Photo
A current passport-size photo in JPEG, JPG, or PNG should be uploaded during the application process.
4. National Identity Card (ID)
Scan a copy of the identity card for both sides in PDF form. For those below eighteen years, birth certificate in PDF form is required instead.
5. Bank Account or MPESA Details
Applicants shall provide valid bank account information or a registered MPESA number in its name and ID number that HELB will use seamlessly when disbursing the funds.
6. Sponsorship Letter
Those who were sponsored in secondary school should upload a copy of the sponsorship letter in PDF form.
7. Parents’ or Guarantors’ Information
All applicants are required to provide the national ID cards and registered telephone numbers for their parents or guarantors for verification.
8. Maisha Card (if applicable)
A copy of the Maisha Card, if applicable, should be uploaded in PDF format.
9. Proof of Residency
Proof of address through a recent utility bill or proof of residency may be required for completing address and background checks of the applicant.
10. Previous Educational Documents
The application may also require copies of previous academic documents, such as school leaving certificates.
Application Process and Timeline
This follows a Cabinet directive by the Cabinet Secretary for Education, Ezekiel Machogu, to open the portal for students’ applications on 15 June 2024, which was earlier postponed from the initial date, 15 June, due to Eid ul-Adha.
Applicants are therefore advised to apply in time and avoid the last minute challenges. Thirdly, the results of the funding applications will be released on July 31, 2024, thereby providing parents/guardians and the student with an opportunity to check the amount allocated to individual students for them to plan accordingly.
Importance of Timely Application
HELB emphasized the importance of timely applications so that all eligible students in need can get necessary financing for their education. The Board, therefore, urges applicants to ensure that they have qualified for the same and provide information that is accurate for easy processing.
Students are, therefore, required to satisfy these preconditions and apply well in time so that they can be provided with funds necessary for pursuing their academic programs going to help them in building their careers in higher education.
For more details and to apply, visit the HELB portal at www.hef.co.ke.