For many Kenyan students and graduates, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is a vital source of funding for higher education.
Whether you need to check your loan balance or stay on top of your repayment schedule, understanding how to repay your HELB loan is key to managing your financial responsibilities.
This article guides you on how to repay your HELB loan using different methods, including M-Pesa, bank transfers, and diaspora channels, while highlighting important tips to avoid penalties and payment delays.
How to Repay Your HELB Loan: Step-by-Step Guide
Repaying from Kenya (Individuals)
- Check Your Loan Balance and Statement
Before making a repayment, confirm how much you owe.
You can do this by:
- Dial *642# on your phone to access the HELB USSD service.
- To access your HELB Loanee/Student portal or use the HELB mobile app.
Both help to view your loan balance, repayment schedule, and download a statement. This helps you confirm how much you owe and any penalties.
- Generate a Payment Invoice
HELB now processes repayments through the eCitizen Repayment Gateway, which ensures your payments are properly tracked.
- Log in to eCitizen, the HELB app, or the USSD service.
- Select Loan Repayment and enter the amount you wish to pay.
- The system will generate an invoice with the exact payment details, including the Paybill number or bank account you should use.
This step is crucial because it ensures you send money to the correct account.
- Make the Payment
You have several options for making your payment locally:
M-Pesa (Lipa na M-Pesa → Paybill)
- Go to Lipa na M-Pesa on your phone.
- Enter the Paybill number shown on your eCitizen invoice.
- For the Account Number, enter either your National ID number or the invoice number provided.
- Enter the amount and complete the payment.
- Save the M-Pesa SMS receipt for proof of payment.
Bank Transfer or EFT
- Use the bank account listed on your invoice.
- When making the transfer, always include your National ID or invoice number as the payment reference.
- Keep the bank confirmation slip or message.
- Confirm That Payment Was Received
- After 24–48 hours, check your loanee portal, mobile app, or USSD service again to confirm that the payment has been credited.
- If the payment has not appeared, send a copy of your M-Pesa receipt or bank slip to [email protected] and call the HELB Contact Centre at 0711 052 000 for follow-up.
Also Read: Step-by-Step Process of Checking Your HELB Loan Balance
Repaying from Abroad (Diaspora)
If you are living outside Kenya, HELB provides special channels for making payments from abroad.
- Choose a diaspora payment platform such as WorldRemit, Sendwave, Equity Direct, or SimbaPay.
- Payments are sent to HELB’s KCB account (Account Number: 1103266314).
- When making the transfer, enter your National ID as the payment reference so HELB can match it to your account.
- After payment, forward the transfer confirmation and your National ID details to:
This ensures that your payment is correctly allocated to your loan.
Repayments Through Employers (Check-Off System)
If you are employed in Kenya, your employer is required to deduct HELB loan payments directly from your salary and remit them to HELB every month.
- Employers use the HELB Employers’ Portal to process these deductions.
- Check your payslip to confirm that deductions are being made.
- If you suspect that your employer is deducting but not remitting, request proof of payment and follow up with HELB.
Troubleshooting and Extra Support
If a Payment Doesn’t Reflect
- Keep a copy of your payment receipt (M-Pesa SMS or bank slip).
- Forward it to [email protected] with your full name, National ID, and loan reference number.
- You can also call 0711 052 000 for assistance.
Overpayments and Refunds
If you have cleared your loan but accidentally overpaid:
- Fill out the Loan Recovery/Enquiry Form on the HELB website.
- Submit it with proof of payment to request a refund or correction.
Practical Tips
Always generate an invoice before paying to ensure you use the correct account and reference numbers.
Also Read: How to Apply for HELB Loans Online: Eligibility, Loans and Repayment
Keep all receipts and confirmations until you see the payment posted on your HELB account.
Update HELB with your current phone number and email to receive important notifications.
Watch for amnesty programs as HELB occasionally offers waivers or discounts on penalties for early or lump-sum repayments.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your HELB loan is repaid correctly and on time, avoiding penalties and future complications.
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