The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has opened applications for the Jielimishe Loan, a financing program that targets salaried Kenyans seeking to further their education and improve their professional skills.
In a notice shared through its official communication channels on August 6, HELB said the loan is designed to support working individuals who want to pursue academic and professional development courses but may face financial constraints.
The lender said successful applicants can access up to Ksh600,000 under the program.
According to HELB, the loan comes with an annual interest rate of 10 percent and offers repayment periods ranging from 12 to 48 months.
HELB added that the program seeks to empower learners already in employment by enabling them to acquire new knowledge, professional certifications and additional qualifications that can help advance their careers.
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The loans are processed within a short time, which the board says is intended to ensure applicants receive funds within a reasonable period after approval. The institution also noted that borrowers will enjoy “flexible repayment terms”, allowing them to choose repayment periods that suit their financial circumstances.
The board further stated that loan repayments will be made through convenient monthly check-off arrangements, reducing the burden of manual repayment processes.
Another feature of the program is the inclusion of a Credit Life Insurance Policy, which HELB described as affordable and designed to provide additional protection to borrowers.
The lender encouraged eligible applicants to take advantage of the opportunity to invest in their education and professional growth.
Interested applicants can obtain more information through HELB’s official platforms, including its website and customer service channels. To apply, visit the https://portal.hef.co.ke/auth/signin and fill in your details to get sign up or sign in.Â
The board has also provided a dedicated contact number and email address for inquiries related to the facility.
The lender said prospective borrowers can reach the Jielimishe Loan support team through telephone number +254 711 052 000 or via email at [email protected].
Jielimishe Loan forms part of HELB’s efforts to expand access to financing beyond traditional university and college students by supporting Kenyans who are already in employment but still wish to continue learning.
The announcement is expected to benefit employees looking to upgrade their skills at a time when professional training and continuous learning are increasingly becoming important in the labour market.
Challenges Facing Graduate Learners
Graduate education is becoming increasingly demanding as Kenyan universities place greater emphasis on research output, publication requirements, coursework completion, and academic quality standards.
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According to a 2025 study published in the International Journal of Research and Innovation in Social Science (IJRISS), these growing academic demands have contributed to delayed completion rates among graduate students.
The study found that postgraduate learners often balance multiple responsibilities, including employment, family obligations and academic work.
Besides meeting coursework and research requirements, many students must also contend with financial pressures linked to tuition fees, research activities, academic materials and other study-related expenses.
Researchers noted that prolonged completion periods can increase the cost of education and place additional strain on learners attempting to maintain progress toward graduation.
The study also highlighted the impact of supervision challenges, administrative processes and expanding enrolment in graduate programs, which have increased pressure on institutional resources.
The findings come as more professionals seek advanced degrees and specialized certifications to remain competitive in the labor market.
According to the study, the growing pursuit of postgraduate education has increased demand for support systems that enable learners to manage academic commitments alongside work and personal responsibilities.
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