The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has announced that the Higher Education Financing Portal will be temporarily closed for at least three days.
In a statement on July 3, 2025, the Loans Board stated that the portal will be closed to allow for system maintenance and service upgrades.
“The Higher Education Financing Portal is under maintenance to improve service. Downtime will last at least 72 hours,” read part of the statement.
The shutdown will affect both first-time and subsequent loan applications. However, HELB has apologized to students applying for loans for any inconvenience caused.
HELB Portal Closed for 3 Days
The disruption is expected to affect undergraduate students, as well as applicants from TVET institutions and KMTC.
Earlier on July 2, 2025, the Loans Board announced that the application deadline is set for August 31, 2025.
“Big news alert! 2025/2026 Undergraduate & TVET Loans & Scholarships are now open. Secure your future—apply early, study stress-free,” HELB announced.
Also Read: HELB Opens Loan and Scholarship Application for 2025/26 Students
Loans Board Directives to Students
Students were reminded that the application and submission of both the Higher Education Fund (HEF) Scholarship and Loan forms are strictly conducted online.
Applicants should visit their website www.hef.co.ke to access the Student Portal to register, create and activate account (ensure you use your personal mobile number registered under your name and national ID number).
Additionally, applicants, their parents, and guarantors must ensure that the phone numbers provided during the application process are registered under their respective names. This is necessary for verification purposes.
In cases where an applicant has forgotten their password, they are advised to click on the “Forgot Password” option on the login page and follow the prompts to reset it.
Also Read: HELB Opens Application Portal for KMTC Students; How to Apply
Required Documents
Applicants are also required to upload several supporting documents as part of the application process. These include:
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Both sides of the National ID card in PDF format
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A recent passport-sized photograph (not exceeding 1MB, in JPEG, JPG, or PNG format)
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A birth certificate (in PDF format), particularly for minor applicants or those who have lost a parent
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A sponsorship letter in PDF format, if the applicant was sponsored during secondary school
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