HELB Warns Defaulters of CRB Listing, Offers Flexible Loan Repayment Options

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has warned beneficiaries who have defaulted on the education loans that they risk being listed with the Credit Reference Bureau (CRB).

According to an email seen by Hivileo, HELB has started reaching out to loan defaulters, urging them to clear their outstanding balances to avoid negative CRB listing.

“HELB records indicate that your loan remains outstanding despite several reminders. Please be advised that your account is scheduled for listing with CRB,” read part of the notice sent to beneficiaries.

HELB Announces Flexible Repayment Options

HELB warned that a negative CRB status could affect borrowers’ credit ratings and limit their access to financial services such as loans.

To avoid being listed, the loans board advised beneficiaries to take advantage of the ongoing 80% penalty waiver and begin repaying their loans.

The board also announced flexible repayment options through the eCitizen payment platform following a government directive requiring all government payments to be processed digitally through eCitizen.

Also Read: OPINION: The HELB Funding Model Exposes Policy Failure in Kenya’s Education Sector

Under the new system, borrowers can repay their HELB loans through four different channels.

The first option is through the USSD code *642#. Borrowers are required to dial the code, log in or register, select loan repayment, choose M-Pesa, enter the amount, and complete payment using their M-Pesa PIN. Users then receive SMS notifications from both eCitizen and HELB.

The second option is through the HELB mobile app, which can be downloaded from the Play Store. Users are required to log in or create an account, select the pay loan option, confirm their phone number and payment amount, and complete the transaction using M-Pesa.

Borrowers can also repay loans through the Loanee Self-Serve Portal available on the HELB website. Users are required to log into the portal, select loan repayment, choose the make payment option, enter the amount, and confirm the transaction before selecting their preferred payment method.

The fourth option is through the Employers Portal, which allows employers to upload remittance lists, verify details, print e-slips, and process payments through the eCitizen platform.

Loans Board Intensifies Crackdown on Loan Defaulters

HELB’s directive comes amid increased efforts by the loans board to recover unpaid student loans from beneficiaries who have defaulted.

Also Read: Ruto Orders Inclusion of KMTC in HELB Funding Scheme

Speaking in a past interview with The Kenya Times on February 9, 2026, HELB CEO Geoffrey Monari said loan recovery remains one of the board’s biggest challenges due to rising cases of default.

Monari explained that unemployed beneficiaries are required to submit status updates every six months after the one-year grace period, while those in formal employment must begin repayment immediately.

He further warned that failure to repay HELB loans could result in CRB listing or referral to licensed debt collectors.

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Kenyans Seeking HELB Services at Huduma Centre in Kenya. PHOTO/NMG