The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has warned the public against a fraudulent social media account impersonating the institution and issuing fake clearance certificates in exchange for money.
HELB urged loan beneficiaries and applicants to use only its official platforms when applying for compliance or clearance certificates and to ignore unofficial accounts requesting payments.
How to Apply for a HELB Compliance or Clearance Certificate
Eligible applicants can obtain HELB certificates through the official HELB Portal or the eCitizen platform.
1. Log in to Your HELB Account
Access your account through the official HELB Portal or eCitizen using your registered credentials.
2. Select the Certificate Service
Choose the certificate you need:
- Loanee Compliance Certificate
- Certificate of Clearance
- Non-Loanee Compliance Certificate
3. Complete the Application
Fill in the required information and submit your application through the official online platform.
4. Pay the Required Fee
Eligible applicants applying for a clearance certificate are required to pay a Ksh1,000 processing fee through the approved payment channels provided during the application process.
5. Wait for Processing
Once your application is processed and approved, your certificate will be issued through HELB's official system.
Types of HELB Certificates
HELB issues different certificates depending on an applicant's status:
- Loanee Compliance Certificate – For beneficiaries who are up to date with loan repayments or are still within the repayment grace period.
- Certificate of Clearance – Issued to beneficiaries who have fully repaid their HELB loans.
- Non-Loanee Compliance Certificate – Available to individuals who have never received a HELB loan.
HELB Issues Fraud Warning
HELB cautioned the public against social media accounts claiming to issue certificates after receiving unofficial payments.
The board noted that fraudsters are asking applicants to pay Ksh1,999, falsely claiming the money will be refunded after issuing a certificate via email.
Applicants have been advised to:
- Verify all communication through HELB's official channels.
- Never send money to unofficial accounts.
- Report impersonation accounts requesting payments or personal information.
HELB emphasised that all certificate applications should be submitted through its authorised platforms to avoid financial loss and identity fraud.
