The Higher Education Fund (HEF) has explained how students who applied for higher education funding before obtaining a National ID can update their records after receiving the document.
In a post on July 27, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) said students who applied as minors do not need to create a new HEF account after obtaining their National ID.
“Applied as a minor and now have your National ID? Simply update your National ID details in your existing HEF account created using your KCSE Index number; no need to create a new account,” HELB advised.
HELB Guides on How to Update HEF Accounts After Getting National IDs
Instead, HELB explained that applicants should log in to the existing HEF account they created using their KCSE index number.
Upon logging in, the system will display a pop-up window prompting them to update their National ID details.
Students are required to enter their National ID number together with their first name exactly as it appears on the National ID card before clicking the Validate button.
Once the information is successfully verified, the portal will display a confirmation message indicating that the National ID has been updated.
Applicants should then click the Register tab to complete the update process and continue using the same HEF account.
HELB emphasized that students should not create a new account but instead update the existing one with their National ID details.
“Do not create a new account. Simply update the one you opened using your index number with your National ID details,” they advised.
Requirements and How to Apply for HEF Loans and Scholarships Without National IDs
Students who have not yet obtained a National ID card can still apply for government scholarships and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loans through the Higher Education Fund (HEF) portal.
To apply for Higher Education Fund (HEF) scholarships or HELB loans without a National ID, students must use their KCSE examination details during registration on the HEF portal.
Also Read: University Fees Payment, HELB Disbursement and Budgeting Guide for KUCCPS 2026 Freshers
The application also requires applicants to provide personal, academic, and contact information, together with supporting details needed to assess eligibility for funding.
Application Requirements
- KCSE examination year.
- KCSE index number.
- KUCCPS program code as indicated in the admission letter.
- Valid email address.
- Mobile phone number for SMS verification.
- Residential information.
- Primary school details.
- Secondary school details.
- University or TVET institution details.
- Parent or guardian information.
- Consent for the collection and processing of personal data.
- Preferred payment details (bank account or mobile money) for loan applicants.
- Guarantor information, where required for HELB loan applicants.
How to Apply
Also Read: Essential Documents for University Admission, HELB and Scholarship Applications 2026
To Apply;
- Visit the Higher Education Financing portal through hef.co.ke or www.helb.co.ke and click Student Portal.
- Register for an account. If you already have one, log in using your email address and password.
- When asked whether you have a National ID, select “No”. The system will prompt you to use your KCSE examination details.
- Enter your KCSE examination year, KCSE index number, and KUCCPS program code as shown in your admission letter, then click Validate.
- Enter a valid email address, create and confirm your password, complete the CAPTCHA verification, and click Register.
- Activate your account using the link sent to your email, then log in with your registered email address and password.
- Verify your mobile phone number by entering the SMS verification code sent to your phone.
- Complete your profile by providing your personal information, residential details, education history, and parent or guardian information.
- Select the funding you wish to apply for—a scholarship, a HELB loan, or both where eligible.
- Accept the required terms and conditions, provide payment and guarantor details where applicable, review your application, and click Submit.
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