Repaying your Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) loan on time helps you avoid penalties and maintain a good credit record.
The easiest and fastest repayment method is through M-Pesa, allowing borrowers to make payments from anywhere in Kenya.
This guide explains how to repay HELB loan using M-Pesa, outlines the simple repayment steps, highlights repayment timelines, and provides alternative payment methods for borrowers who prefer bank deposits, electronic transfers, or cheques.
How To Repay HELB Loan Using Mpesa
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) offers affordable education loans to students pursuing higher education in Kenya.
Once your repayment period begins, you can conveniently settle your loan through M-Pesa using the official HELB Paybill number.
HELB Loan Repayment Categories
HELB offers loans under two main categories.
Direct Entry Students (DES) Loans
These loans are available to students joining public or private universities through KUCCPS placement or as self-sponsored students.
Key features include:
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Annual Loan Amount | KSh 35,000 – KSh 60,000 |
| Interest Rate | 4% per annum |
| Repayment | Begins after completion of studies |
Salaried Students Loans
These loans target employed undergraduate and postgraduate students.
| Programme | Annual Loan Amount |
| PhD | KSh 60,000 – KSh 200,000 |
| Master's | KSh 60,000 – KSh 200,000 |
| Continuing Education | KSh 60,000 – KSh 100,000 |
These loans attract an interest rate of 12% per annum and are repayable within 48 months.
Step by Step Guide on How To Repay HELB Loan Using M-Pesa
Follow these simple steps to make your HELB loan payment:
- Open the M-Pesa Menu on your mobile phone.
- Select Lipa na M-Pesa.
- Choose Pay Bill.
- Enter the Business Number 200800.
- Use your National ID Number as the Account Number.
- Enter the amount you wish to repay.
- Enter your M-Pesa PIN.
- Confirm the transaction details and press OK.
- Wait for the M-Pesa confirmation message.
Important Things to Know
Before making your payment, keep the following in mind:
- Payments may take up to two business days to reflect on your HELB loan statement.
- Always use the correct National ID number as the account reference.
- Keep the M-Pesa confirmation message as proof of payment.
- Making timely repayments helps you avoid penalties and maintain a good repayment record.
HELB Loan Penalties
Borrowers should repay their loans as scheduled.
Important repayment guidelines include:
- Undergraduate loan repayment starts one year after completing studies.
- Failure to repay attracts a monthly penalty of KSh 5,000.
- Paying at least KSh 1,500 per month helps borrowers avoid the monthly penalty.
Other Ways to Repay HELB Loans
Besides M-Pesa, HELB also accepts payments through:
- Crossed cheques.
- Banker's drafts.
- Direct bank deposits.
- Standing orders.
- Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT).
- Cash deposits into HELB collection accounts.
HELB Collection Bank Accounts
Borrowers can also make payments through the following banks:
| Bank | Branch |
| Kenya Commercial Bank | University Way |
| Family Bank | Family Bank Towers |
| Co-operative Bank | University Way |
| Barclays Bank | Barclays Plaza |
| Standard Chartered Bank | Koinange Street |
| Equity Bank | Equity Centre |
| National Bank of Kenya | Harambee Avenue |
| Citibank | Nairobi |
| Chase Bank | Delta House |
| NIC Bank | NIC House |
| Jamii Bora Bank | Koinange Street |
When paying through a bank, ensure you use the correct HELB account number provided by the respective bank and retain your payment receipt for future reference.
Knowing how to repay HELB loan using M-Pesa makes it easier to stay compliant with your repayment obligations. The M-Pesa Paybill option offers a quick, secure, and convenient way to make payments from anywhere.
