Master Your HELB Loan Repayments – Here’s Exactly How Much You’ll Pay Back #
You’re not alone if you’re confused about HELB loan repayment. Most students graduate without knowing how much they actually owe or when payments begin.
HELB operates under the Higher Education Loans Board Act of 1995. The law requires specific payment terms but doesn’t make them easy to find or understand.
For official HELB information, visit helb.co.ke or check your loan status on the HELB student portal.
That’s why we built this calculator. It shows you exactly what you’ll pay, when you’ll pay it, and how to pay less.
Also see: Net Pay Calculator
Your Complete HELB Repayment Guide (Save This Page) #
Understanding HELB loan repayment doesn’t have to be complicated. Follow these five steps to take control of your payment plan.
Step 1: Find Out How Much You Actually Owe #
HELB loans attract different interest rates depending on your loan type:
- Undergraduate and TVET loans: 4% per year plus Ksh 1,000 ledger fee annually
- Jielimishe (emergency) loans: 10% per year
Interest begins accruing immediately after the first disbursement using the reducing balance method.
Example: A Ksh 100,000 undergraduate loan over 48 months means:
- Monthly payment: Ksh 2,263
- Total repaid: Ksh 108,624
- Interest paid: Ksh 8,624
Check the official HELB interest rates and fees for the most current information.
Use our HELB loan repayment calculator above to see your exact debt amount.
Step 2: Know When Payments Start #
According to the HELB Act of 1995, payments must begin within one year of completing your studies. This is your official grace period.
Interest continues accruing during this grace period at the same 4% annual rate.
HELB can recall your loan earlier than one year if they decide to do so. You can also make voluntary payments before or after completing studies to reduce your loan balance.
Step 3: Choose Your Payment Plan #
HELB offers structured payment periods based on loan type:
Undergraduate and TVET Loans
- Maximum payment period: 120 months (10 years)
- Interest rate: 4% per year (reducing balance method)
- Payment methods: Individual payments or employer check-off
Jielimishe (Emergency) Loans
- Payment period: 12-48 months (up to 72 months for public servants)
- Interest rate: 10% per year
- Immediate payments through salary deductions
Real Examples from Our Calculator:
Ksh 200,000 Undergraduate Loan:
- 60 months: Ksh 3,689/month (Total: Ksh 221,340)
- 120 months: Ksh 2,028/month (Total: Ksh 243,360)
Ksh 50,000 Jielimishe Loan:
- 24 months: Ksh 2,304/month (Total: Ksh 55,296)
- 48 months: Ksh 1,267/month (Total: Ksh 60,816)
Our calculator shows you exact payment amounts for 1-120 months. Pick what works for your budget.
Step 4: Register for Payment (Don’t Skip This) #
You must register with HELB after graduation to begin your payment process. Visit the HELB offices or use their online services.
Here’s the registration process:
- Visit any HELB office with your ID and graduation certificate
- Fill out the borrower registration form (available on HELB website)
- Choose your payment plan
- Get your HELB loan repayment schedule
Skip this step and HELB can block your clearance certificate.
Step 5: Set Up Your Payments #
HELB accepts payments through these official channels:
- E-Citizen payment gateway
- Employer check-off systems
- Direct bank transfers to HELB accounts
HELB has transitioned from traditional payment channels to primarily using the E-Citizen platform for loan payments.
Current HELB Interest Rates and Fees (2025) #
Undergraduate and TVET Loans: 4% per annum + Ksh 1,000 ledger fee annually
Jielimishe (Emergency) Loans: 10% per annum
Default Penalty: Ksh 5,000 per month (cannot exceed original loan amount per court ruling)
How Our Calculator Works:
- Uses HELB’s reducing balance method (standard amortization)
- Calculates exact monthly payments for any period (1-120 months)
- Shows total interest you’ll pay over the loan term
- Factors in the fixed Ksh 5,000 monthly default penalty
Quick Comparison Examples:
Ksh 150,000 Undergraduate Loan (4% interest):
- 36 months: Ksh 4,434/month | Total interest: Ksh 9,624
- 72 months: Ksh 2,368/month | Total interest: Ksh 20,496
- 120 months: Ksh 1,521/month | Total interest: Ksh 32,520
Ksh 80,000 Jielimishe Loan (10% interest):
- 24 months: Ksh 3,686/month | Total interest: Ksh 8,464
- 48 months: Ksh 2,027/month | Total interest: Ksh 17,296
Official sources:
What Happens If You Default on Payments #
HELB has legal powers under the HELB Act:
- Default penalty: Ksh 5,000 per month (fixed amount regardless of loan size)
- They report defaulters to Credit Reference Bureaus (CRB)
- They can pursue legal action for loan recovery
- They can block issuance of academic certificates and transcripts
- Court orders can be obtained for salary garnishment
Example: If you miss payments on a Ksh 100,000 loan for 6 months, you’ll owe Ksh 30,000 in penalties alone (6 × Ksh 5,000).
Note: The High Court has ruled that HELB cannot demand fines that exceed the original borrowed amount.
Special Situations #
Lost Your Job? #
Contact HELB immediately through their official contact channels. They may consider payment deferrals for unemployed borrowers.
Studying Further? #
Postgraduate studies can defer your payments. Apply for deferment through the HELB student portal.
Living Abroad? #
You still owe HELB. Set up international transfers or use online payment platforms that work with E-Citizen for your payments.
Starting a Business? #
HELB may consider flexible payment arrangements for entrepreneurs. Contact their customer service for guidance.
Common HELB Loan Repayment Myths vs Facts #
Myth 1: “HELB forgives loans after 10 years”
Fact: HELB has no automatic loan forgiveness policy. Loans must be repaid in full.
Myth 2: “Interest stops when I graduate”
Fact: Interest continues at 4% annually until payments are complete.
Myth 3: “I only pay back what I received”
Fact: You pay principal plus 4% annual interest plus Ksh 1,000 ledger fee per year.
Myth 4: “HELB can charge unlimited penalties”
Fact: Courts have ruled that penalties cannot exceed the original loan amount.
Quick Start Checklist #
Before you leave this page:
□ Use our calculator to find your payment amount
□ Screenshot your results
□ Set a calendar reminder to register with HELB after graduation
□ Share this payment guide with classmates (they need this too)
□ Bookmark this page for later reference
□ Check your loan status on HELB student portal
□ Save HELB contact information: helb.co.ke/contact-us
More helpful payment guides: How to Apply for Subsequent HELB Loan: Comprehensive Step-by-Step Guide for 2025
Why This Calculator Works Better Than HELB’s Website #
HELB’s official calculator is buried in their website and hard to use. Our calculator is simple and accurate:
What Makes Our Calculator Special:
- Three loan types: Undergraduate (4%), TVET (4%), and Jielimishe (10%)
- Flexible payment periods: Any period from 1 to 120 months
- Exact calculations: Uses HELB’s reducing balance method
- Instant results: Monthly payment, total interest, and total amount
- Penalty tracking: Shows the Ksh 5,000 monthly default penalty
Simple 4-Step Process:
- Enter your loan amount
- Select your loan type (Undergraduate, TVET, or Jielimishe)
- Choose your payment period (1-120 months)
- Get instant, accurate results
Real Example Results: For a Ksh 120,000 undergraduate loan over 60 months:
- Monthly payment: Ksh 2,214
- Total interest paid: Ksh 12,840
- Total amount repaid: Ksh 132,840
No complicated forms. No confusing terms. Just accurate answers about your payments.
Share This Payment Guide With Friends Who Need It #
Your classmates are probably just as confused about HELB loan repayment as you were. Send them this link. They’ll appreciate the help, and you’ll have people to discuss payment strategies with.
Most students graduate completely unprepared for loan payments. Don’t be one of them.
Use our calculator above. Plan your payments. Take control of your financial future.
Last updated: September 2025. HELB payment policies change occasionally – always confirm current rates with HELB directly or through the official student portal.
Official Government Resources: