Keeping track of your HELB loan balance is essential whether you’re a continuing student, recent graduate, or already in the repayment phase. On Monday, August 25, the Higher Education Loans Board HELB issued a public notice explaining how loanees can easily check their loan balances and download statements online.
According to the update, HELB has simplified the process through its Loanee Portal and mobile app, making it easier for users to access their repayment status, disbursement history, and full loan breakdown in just a few clicks.
By logging into the HELB Loanees Portal at helb portal, users can navigate to the ‘self-serve’ tab and instantly view their loan statement, which details all pending balances, past repayments, and tuition/upkeep allocations.
This guide walks you step by step through the updated process, whether you’re accessing your account for the first time or simply looking to download your loan statement for clearance or planning purposes.
Method 1: Check via HELB Student Portal Detailed Explanation
The HELB Student Portal is the most comprehensive platform for managing your loan. It provides full access to your loan records from application history and disbursement timelines to current balance, interest, and penalties. Here’s a more in-depth walkthrough:
Visit the Official HELB Portal
Start by opening your browser (like Chrome or Safari) and enter the following URL:
👉 https://portal.helb.co.ke
This is HELB secure digital platform where:
- Students apply for loans (first-time and subsequent)
- Graduates check loan statements
- Employers make remittances or confirmations
- Users download clearance and compliance certificates
🛡️ Important: Always ensure the URL starts with “https://” to confirm you’re on a secure site.
Log in to Your HELB Account
Once the page loads, you’ll see the login section on the right.
🔑 What You’ll Need:
- Your email address or National ID Number (used during HELB registration)
- Your password (created during registration)
After entering both, click “Login.”
💬 First-Time User?
Click “Register”, and follow these steps:
- Enter your full name, ID number, email, and phone number.
- Create a secure password.
- Submit the form and check your email for an activation link.
- Click the activation link to confirm your account and access the portal.
🔄 Password Reset: If you forget your password, use the “Forgot Password” option on the login page to reset via email.
Access the ‘Loan Statement’ or ‘Loan Information’ Section
After successful login, you’ll land on your HELB Dashboard.
Here’s what to do:
- Navigate to the top menu or sidebar.
- Click on “Self-Serve” or “Loan Information” tab.
- Then, choose “Loan Statement” or “Loan Balance”.
This is where all your financial activity with HELB is recorded.
View & Understand Your HELB Loan Details
Now you’ll see a full view of your HELB loan details, presented in a table or downloadable format.
🧾 Here’s what you’ll find:
- Outstanding Loan Balance: Total amount you still owe to HELB.
- Disbursed Amount: Amount already sent to your school (for tuition) and personal account (for upkeep).
- Interest Charged: The total interest accumulated based on your loan terms.
- Penalties: Any extra charges due to delayed repayment or default.
- Repayment History: A detailed list of payments made (monthly, quarterly, etc.)
- Loan Type: Names and types of loans you’ve taken (e.g., TVET Loan, Undergraduate Loan).
Bonus Tip: Download Your Statement
- Click the “Download” or “Generate PDF” option usually located at the top or bottom of the page.
- Save the file to your device. You can print it for physical use or email it when applying for jobs or HELB clearance.
This statement is often required when:
- You apply for HELB compliance or clearance certificates
- You seek employment in government or formal organizations
- You want to keep track of your financial planning
📎 Some employers ask for this statement as proof of loan repayment or clearance before hiring.
Why This Method is Recommended
| Benefit | Why It Matters |
| 🔒 Secure | Your data is encrypted and protected on HELB’s official system |
| 📱 Convenient | Check your balance any time from a phone or PC |
| 📄 Detailed | See disbursement history, repayments, and interest in one place |
| 🧾 Downloadable | Easily generate PDF statements for clearance or planning |
Method 2: Check via HELB Mobile App
Simple & Fast Way to Check Your HELB Loan Balance on Your Phone
The HELB Mobile App is a user-friendly application designed to help you access HELB services from your smartphone. Whether you’re a student, recent graduate, or already repaying your loan, this method is perfect for checking your balance quickly without needing a computer or visiting the HELB office.
Download the HELB App from Google Play Store
Start by opening the Google Play Store on your Android phone.
- In the search bar, type: “HELB App”
- Tap on the app by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) and press Install
- Wait a few seconds while it downloads and installs on your device
📱 The app is officially released by HELB and is free to download. Currently, it’s only available for Android devices.
Sign In Using Your HELB Credentials
After the app installs, open it.
- Enter your email address or National ID number
- Type your password (the same one used on the HELB web portal)
- Tap the Login button to enter your dashboard
🔐 If you’re new and haven’t created a HELB account before, you must first register at helb portal and activate your account via email.
Navigate to the ‘Loan Statement’ Section
Once you’re logged in, you’ll land on the main dashboard of the app.
- Look for a tab or menu titled “Loan Statement”, “Loan Details”, or “Balance”
- Tap this option to proceed
🧭 This section contains all the financial information about your HELB loan, updated in real time.
View Your Current Loan Balance and Repayment Info
Inside the loan statement section, you’ll find:
- Your total outstanding loan balance (how much you still owe)
- Interest charged on your loan
- Penalties, if any, due to late payment
- A complete repayment history, showing dates and amounts of all payments made
This information helps you stay updated and avoid missing repayments or attracting fines.
📄 You can take a screenshot or write down the figures for your records. Some versions of the app may allow you to download a mini-statement.
Why Use the HELB App?
- Fast Access: Check your balance within minutes—no need for a desktop or visiting an office.
- Easy to Use: Simple interface, great for students and graduates on the go.
- Official & Secure: Your data is safe since the app is provided by HELB itself.
Method 3: Check via USSD Code (*642#)
Instant HELB Loan Balance via SMS (No Internet Needed)
If you don’t have access to the internet or a smartphone, you can still check your HELB loan balance using your mobile phone. The *USSD code 642# lets you access HELB services through simple text-based prompts. It’s quick, convenient, and works on any mobile phone.
Dial *642# on Your Safaricom Line
Open your phone’s dial pad and dial:
📞 *642#
Press the call button (just like you’re making a phone call).
📱 Make sure you’re using the same Safaricom number you registered with during your HELB loan application.
Select the “Loan Balance” Option
Once you dial the code, a menu will appear on your screen with different HELB services.
- Scroll or enter the number that corresponds to “Loan Balance”
- This will direct you to the next step where you verify your identity
🧭 The menu also includes other services like loan application status, compliance certificate, and mini statements.
Enter Your ID Number or Account PIN
You’ll be prompted to confirm your identity:
- Enter your National ID number
(This should match the one used during your HELB registration) - In some cases, you might be asked to enter your account PIN if you’ve used the USSD service before
🔒 This step ensures your loan information is protected and accessed only by you.
Receive SMS with Your Loan Balance
After submitting your ID or PIN, you’ll get a confirmation message on your screen, followed by a text message (SMS) directly to your phone.
This message includes:
- Your total outstanding loan balance
- Any interest or penalties
- Your repayment status
Important Notes
- ✅ This method only works if you’re using the Safaricom number registered on your HELB account
- 🚫 If you use a different number, the system won’t recognize you
- 💸 Standard SMS/USSD charges may apply (depending on your mobile plan)
Why Use the USSD Code Method?
| Benefit | Description |
| 📴 No Internet Needed | Works on basic phones without data or Wi-Fi |
| 🕒 Instant Response | Get your balance via SMS in seconds |
| 🔐 Secure & Verified | Only works on your registered mobile number |
| 🌍 Works Anywhere | Even in remote areas without internet access |
Important Notes Explained
Before you log in to the HELB portal or app, there are a few key things you should always keep in mind. These help you avoid mistakes and ensure you get accurate, up-to-date information about your loan.
Always Verify Your Login Details
Make sure you enter the correct email address or National ID number and your password when logging in.
Even small errors like wrong spelling, extra spaces, or incorrect capitalization can prevent you from accessing your account.
✅ Double check your information before clicking “Login” to avoid unnecessary frustration.
Forgot Password? Use the Recovery Option
If you can’t remember your password or you’ve been locked out, don’t worry.
The HELB portal has a “Forgot Password” feature right on the login page.
Click it, and you’ll be asked to enter your email. A reset link will be sent so you can create a new password and log back in.
🔐 This saves time and avoids the need to contact support for help.
Download Your Full Loan Statement for Reconciliation or Clearance
Whether you’re planning to start repayment, apply for a job, or get a HELB clearance certificate, you’ll need a detailed loan statement.
This document shows:
- All disbursements (money you received)
- Repayments made
- Interest charged
- Penalties (if any)
- Total balance owed
You can download it easily as a PDF from the HELB portal or mobile app.
📄 This is an official record and often required for government jobs, university clearance, or financial audits.
Common Errors & Troubleshooting
Sometimes, you might run into problems when trying to access your loan details. This section helps you understand what common issues look like and how to fix them quickly.
Problem 1: Can’t Log In to HELB Portal
If you try to log in but it doesn’t work:
- Make sure you’re using the correct email/ID and password
- If that fails, click “Forgot Password” to reset
- Still stuck? Try clearing your browser cache (stored memory) and cookies
🧹 Clearing your cache can fix loading or display issues on the portal.
Problem 2: Portal Shows Wrong or Outdated Info
If your loan statement doesn’t match your actual payments, or shows missing data:
- This could be a system update delay or an error in HELB’s records
- In this case, contact HELB support directly (via phone or email) and request a statement review
📞 They can correct mistakes and verify your repayment status.
Problem 3: USSD Code (642#) Not Working
If you’re using the *642# code and it doesn’t respond or says “user not recognized”:
- Make sure you’re using the same Safaricom line that you registered during your HELB loan application
- If you’ve changed numbers or never registered your line, the system won’t recognize your identity
☎️ Contact HELB if you need to update your registered number.
HELB Support Contacts
- Call: 0711 052000
- Email: contactcentre@helb.co.ke
- Twitter: @HELBpage
- Facebook: HELB Kenya
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know how much HELB loan I have left to pay?
Log in to the HELB portal, go to the Loan Statement section, and view your balance.
How can I download my HELB loan statement for clearance or job applications?
After logging in to the portal or HELB mobile app, go to Loan Statement and click Download PDF.
Can I check my HELB loan balance without internet?
Yes. Dial *642# using your registered Safaricom number to get your loan balance via SMS.
What should I do if I can’t log in to my HELB account?
Click “Forgot Password” on the login page or clear your browser cache and try again. If it fails, contact HELB support.
How can I find out if my loan has been disbursed?
Go to the HELB portal or mobile app and check your Disbursement History under the loan section.
I changed my phone number how do I update it on HELB?
You’ll need to contact HELB customer care or visit their offices to update your registered mobile number.
Conclusion
Checking your HELB loan balance is a simple but important step in managing your education loan responsibly. Whether you use the HELB student portal, the mobile app, or the USSD code (*642#), each method gives you quick access to your loan details helping you stay informed about disbursements, repayments, interest, and any pending balances.
Staying updated with your loan status helps you avoid penalties, plan your repayments better, and prepare for HELB clearance or compliance when needed. Always use your registered details, download your statement regularly, and reach out to HELB support if you face any issues. Being proactive now can save you time and stress in the future.
