How to Apply for a HELB Clearance Certificate in Kenya

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) is a key financial institution in Kenya, responsible for providing loans and scholarships to students pursuing their higher education. However, after completing your studies or once you no longer require their financial assistance, you may need a HELB clearance certificate.

This certificate (just like the CRB Clearance and the Tax Compliance ones) is essential for various purposes, including applying for jobs especially in government institutions, renewing professional licences, or fulfilling legal obligations.

If you have repaid your HELB loan or were never a beneficiary, applying for a HELB clearance certificate is a straightforward process. Here is a step-by-step guide to help you navigate the application process.

Steps To Follow When Applying for A HELB Clearance Certificate in Kenya

Step 1: Visit the HELB Portal

• Access the official HELB online portal at  www.helb.co.ke.  Once you are at the site, navigate to the student portal section.
• If you do not have an account, you will need to create one by registering with your details, such as your national ID number and personal contact information. If you are already registered, simply log in using your credentials.

Step 2: Check Your Loan Repayment Status

Before proceeding with the clearance process, you need to ensure that you are in good standing with HELB. If you have any outstanding loans, they must be fully repaid before you can receive the clearance certificate. To check your loan status:

• Log in to your HELB account
• Go to the Loan Repayment Section to view your current balance and repayment history.

If you have a balance, HELB provides various repayment options, including bank payments, mobile money transfers (M-Pesa), and direct debit from your salary.

Step 3: Request a HELB Compliance Certificate

If you are a HELB loan beneficiary and have repaid your loan in full, or you were not a beneficiary, you can apply for the HELB compliance certificate. This certificate is typically issued to individuals who have cleared their loans or those who never took a loan.

To request the certificate:

• Log in to your HELB account.
• Navigate to the Compliance Certificate section.
• Submit the necessary details requested

If you have completed all your repayments, the certificate will be available for download immediately. For non-beneficiaries, the process is usually quicker since you only need to confirm your details.

Step 4: Pay the Processing Fee

For HELB loan beneficiaries, there is a Ksh 1,000 processing fee for the clearance certificate. Payment can be done via M-Pesa, direct bank transfer, or through authorized HELB payment agents. The payment details will be provided on the portal once you apply for the certificate. For non-beneficiaries, the clearance process is usually free unless otherwise stated by HELB.

Payment Via M-Pesa

1. Go to the M-Pesa Menu.

2. Select Lipa na M-Pesa and then choose Pay Bill.

3. Enter the HELB business number:200800

4. Enter your national ID number as the account number.

5. Enter the amount (Ksh 1,000 for beneficiaries).

6. Input your M-Pesa PIN and confirm the transaction.

Step 5. Download the HELB Clearance Certificate

Once you have completed the payment and your status is confirmed, you can download the HELB clearance certificate directly from the portal. It will be available in PDF format for you to print and use as needed.

Loanee VS Non-Loanee Compliance Certificate

Loanee – This is an individual who received financial assistance from HELB in the form of a loan during their studies, typically for tuition fees, accommodation, or other educational expenses.

Non-Loanee – It refers to a graduate who did not take out a HELB loan.

How Loanees Should Apply for a HELB Compliance Certificate

• The first step is to check the loan repayment. If there is any outstanding balance, the loanee is required to make repayments before applying for the compliance certificate.
• Log in to the HELB portal to check the loan status.
• Once the loan is fully repaid, apply for the HELB compliance certificate through the Helb Portal.
• Navigate to the Compliance Certificate Section and submit the required information.
• Pay Ksh 1,000 as the processing fee of the certificate.
• Upon confirmation, the certificate will be ready for download.

How Non-Loanees Should Apply for a HELB Compliance Certificate

• Non-loanees should confirm their status with HELB to ensure they are recognized as individuals who never received a loan.
• Log in to the HELB portal and update or confirm your details.
• Navigate to the Compliance Certificate section and submit your details.
• No payment is required for non-loanees.
• Non-loanees generally receive the certificate almost immediately as there are no loan repayments to verify.
• Uses of the HELB Compliance Certificate.
• Applying for jobs especially in government and public institutions.
• Renewing professional licences.
• Fulfilling legal obligations such as tender applications or statutory requirements.

Who Needs A HELB Clearance Certificate?

1. Job seekers in the public sector

2. Applicants for government tenders and contracts

3. Professionals seeking licence renewal

4. Graduates seeking clearance after completion of studies

5. Employees changing jobs

6. Immigrants seeking residency or work permits

Is it Possible to Apply for the HELB Clearance Certificate via eCitizen?

It is not currently possible to apply for a HELB Clearance Certificate through the eCitizen portal. Applications for the HELB clearance certificate are made directly through the HELB online portal at  www.helb.co.ke.

Additional Information

• Turnaround Time – The clearance certificate is usually processed and issued within a few minutes for non-beneficiaries and those who have fully repaid their loans. However, delays may occur if you have pending issues with HELB.
• Validity – The HELB clearance certificate does not have an expiry date, but certain institutions may request a recent copy. It’s advisable to download a new copy when needed.
• Helpline – If you encounter any challenges, you can reach HELB through their contact centre at +254711052000 or via email at  contactcentre@helb.co.ke.

Conclusion

Obtaining a HELB Clearance certificate is an important step for graduates in Kenya, especially when seeking employment in the public sector. Ensure that your loan is fully repaid or that your details are accurate if you were not a beneficiary, and follow the steps outlined for a smooth clearance process.

Magdalene Wanjohi

Magdalene is a young Kenyan web content author with a deep love for innovation and finding solutions designed to make the world a better place. The BA Marketing & Comms major at Kisii University boasts strong writing skills thanks to her prior training under the Ajira Digital Program by the Government of Kenya.