The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) revealed that it has not yet launched the loan application portal for September 2023 first-year college students.
Through its official Facebook account, HELB drew attention to a July 23 blog post by ‘Education Highlights‘ that falsely claimed their portal was open for 2023/2024 registration and loan application.
In a July 10 post, HELB warned, “Beware of fake news. Always obtain reliable information from our official channels.”
HELB added on July 24 that they will communicate in due time regarding the official opening of subsequent loan applications.
“HELB will formally announce the opening of subsequent loan applications at the appropriate time. Applicants will have sufficient time to submit their applications.”
According to the Education Highlights blog post, the HELB had created a portal for first-year undergraduates for the 2023/24 academic year.
“In addition to those who have been placed through the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS), applications are now being accepted from students participating in self-sponsored programs at private and public universities in Kenya and the East African Community,” stated the blog post.
The blog post went on to describe the eligibility requirements for a student to request and receive the loan, including the required documents, the availability of HELB stations at Huduma Centers, and the expected loan amount if the application is approved.
“University loans for first-year students may range from Sh40,000 to Sh60,000.” While self-sponsored students have their tuition fees deposited directly to the university once a year, students placed through the Kenya University and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) divide their loan amount between tuition and living expenses, according to the blog post.
Teachers Updates examined a claim made by the Education Highlights blog that the HELB portal is open for loan applicants for the 2023/2024 academic year and discovered it to be false.
Repaying your #HELBLoan has never been easier, choose any of our self-serve options and do it your way. Please visit https://www.helb.co.ke then go to ‘Repay loan,” and choose the option that works for you.