This article gives details regarding the types of loans given to diploma, undergraduate and masters students by Helb. We will also indicate the amount of money given to each student in different levels of education.
PRODUCT CATEGORIES & ELIGIBILITY
| No. | Product Type | Eligibility | Maximum number of loans | Interest Rate |
| 1 | Undergraduate Loan | Student admitted for undergraduate courses in approved institutions of higher learning recognized by CUE. | Subject to approved course duration | 4% |
| 2 | TVET Loan | Students admitted for artisan, certificate and diploma courses in approved TVET institutions recognized by TVETA and other relevant regulatory bodies. | Subject to approved course duration | 4% |
| 3 | Jielimishe | Students admitted in recognized institutions of higher learning and approved terms and conditions | Once per year | 10% |
| 4 | Afya-Elimu Loan | Students admitted in pre-service certificate and diploma courses in approved MTCs recognized by relevant regulatory bodies | Subject to approved course duration | 4% |
| 5 | Partnership loan | Refer to the respective MoUs and Service Contracts | As per MoUs and Service Contracts | As per MoUs and Service Contracts |
Additional Points to Note
- Tuition funds are disbursed directly to the School account
- Upkeep funds are disbursed directly to the Student’s personal account (Use your own account)
- Always ensure your Bank account number is active
- HELB sends SMS/Email notifications after each process i.e. form verification, loan allocation and loan disbursement
ALLOCATION & DISBURSEMENT BREAKDOWN
| Undergraduate Allocation Bands | Loan (Kshs) | Bursary (Kshs) | (Undergraduate) Installment | Tuition (Kshs) | Upkeep (Kshs) | |||
| Minimum | 37,000 | 4,000 | Semester 1 | 4,000 | 16,000 | |||
| Maximum | 60,000 | 8,000 | Semester 2 | 4,000 | 15,500 | |||
| PSSP | 39,500 | |||||||
| Undergraduate Allocation Bands | Loan (Kshs) | Bursary (Kshs) | (TVET) Installment | Tuition (Kshs) | Upkeep (Kshs) | |||
| Minimum | 37,000 | 4,000 | Semester 1 | 26,400 | 6,800 | |||
| Maximum | 60,000 | 8,000 | Semester 2 | 6,800 | ||||
NB: PSSP & Bursary funds are paid at the beginning of semester two in one installment Kshs.500 is retained as administrative fees, see T&Cs on the Loan Application Form (LAF)
CAUSES OF DELAYS IN LOAN PROCESSING
- If it lacks any of the required documents and signature as listed on the last page of the Loan Application Form (LAF)
- If the applicant provides untruthful information ‘#Tellthetruth’
NB: Always ensure that all details provided are accurate
Quick Details Checks before submitting the application
- Institution (University name, admission number, student category (government/self-sponsored)
- Bank name and Bank account number – use your personal account
- Education background –Correct KCSE number and KCSE year
- Parental details
OTHER SOURCES OF FUNDS
- CONSTITUENCY DEVELOPMENT FUND (CDF)
The Constituency Development Fund was introduced in Kenya in 2003 to address the problem of inequality in resource distribution with the passage of the CDF Act 2003. The CDF Act provides that the government set aside at least 2.5% of its ordinary revenue for disbursement under the CDF program. The CDF funds have been used, among other things, to help needy students from poor backgrounds. The CDF programme has introduced bursaries for bright students in each constituency where they are supported through fee payment. This has greatly helped needy students to have access to the much needed education. As with other funds students have to apply for the funds.
- OSHWAL COMMUNITY EDUCATION FUND
Oshwal aid in association with Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) offers scholarships to direct entry university students. The scholarships will funds 20 students for the total tenure of study. For undergraduate degree programme. The fund supports needy entrants in local universities to a maximum of ksh 100,000 per annum. The application period is July to August every year.
Eligibility
The Visa Oshwal Scholarship fund supports needy entrants for direct entry in local universities.
Scholarship Application Method
Applicants are required to apply via online and the Scholarship Application Due Date: between the period of July to August every year. Application forms and guidelines can be downloaded from the official website (Visa Oshwal Scholarship). It is important to read the application procedure, and visit the official websites for detailed information on how to apply.
- RATTANSI EDUCATION FOUNDATION TRUST
The Rattansi Educational Trust was started in 1956 by Mr. Mohamedally Rattansi and his wife Maniben as a result of the philanthropic thoughts of Mr. Mohamedally and his wife Maniben who strongly believed in social justice and the centrality of education in the advancement of individuals. Their vision is that “Education Lights the path to development” and the main aim of the Trust is getting Kenyans out of poverty.
The Trust helps needy students in institutions of higher learning at both Public and Private Universities, Polytechnics, and other institutions of tertiary education. More than 50 institutions benefit from the Rattansi Bursary awards.
Application for bursaries is done through the respective institutions. For both continuing and new students, the procedure for application can be obtained from the Rattansi Educational Trust offices in Nairobi Kenya.
Institutions’ role in prequalification of candidates
Institutions play a very important role in the vetting of candidates and allocation of bursary. For continuing students, the institutions can provide information on the level of candidate’s need. This way, the institutions help the Trust to give priority to the ultimate needy students.
However, the Trust reserves the right to fund or not.
Contact information
The Rattansi Educational Trust Building
Ground Floor, Koinange Street Nairobi, Kenya, Africa.
Nairobi P.O. Box 63302-00619 Muthaiga Kenya
Phone
+254-(020) 2220661
+254-(020) 316763
- BARCLAYS BANK SCHOLARSHIPS.
These are awarded to students through HELB. Information is available at any Barclays Bank branch or HELB offices.
- JENGA COMRADES FUND
This is an initiative of students’ government and they have an annual fundraiser to source for funds to enable them support needy comrades continue with their studies. The University also allocates some money to the kitty and the rest comes from Students’ Governing Council account. The needy students must apply for funds and pass the vetting process which is conducted by student leaders and members of staff before funds are disbursed to their fees account.
- WORK STUDY
The University annually sets aside some amount of money to assist very needy students pay for their fees and upkeep. The beneficiaries undergo a vetting process before the money is extended to them.
The application forms are obtained from the Dean of Students Office and an advert stipulating the qualifications criteria is placed on the noticeboards and on the website
Questions one may ask his/herself
- Am I eligible for a loan in 2nd year if I did not apply in 1st year?
Yes you are. However one will be required to apply as a first time applicant during the first time applications window.
- What if I was awarded a loan but it is not enough, can I request for additional funds
Yes, if you have a genuine need for additional funds, you can appeal amounts awarded to you by completing the loan review [appeal] form on www.helb.co.ke
- If I discontinue my education, do I have to pay amount awarded to me even if I didn’t complete my education?
Yes, once you are awarded a HELB loan, you will be required to fully repay the amount in accordance with the terms & conditions as well as the interest accrued thereafter and penalties incurred [if any]
- Why is my application form defective?
If any or all of the following are missing then the application is defective and your form will not be processed:
- Missing signatures and stamps: e. applicants’ signature, parents/guardian, priest, Chief or Assistant chief, Commissioner of Oaths or Magistrate and bank. Please note that signatures and stamping is mandatory.
- Missing documents: if any of the documents on the checklist haven’t been attached then the form will be termed defective. These include: KCSE result slip, Admission letter; if orphaned, copy/copies of parent/s death certificate; if sponsored in High school, a confirmation letter from the school or sponsor and a colored passport size photo which is to be attached to the form before submission.
- Scanned copies: the forms to be submitted should be the original copies and not scanned copies, if one submits the scanned copy then it is termed defective since it’s not the original.
- 2nd & Subsequent loan application forms: All the subsequent application forms MUST be signed and stamped by the Dean of students.
