Repayment and CRB listing questions come from both employed and self-employed loanees.
Based on questions students and loanees sent to HELB’s official X account (@HELBpage) and HELB’s own replies, checked on 14 October 2026. Questions are paraphrased.
Starting repayment
If employed, HELB asks for your employer’s name and email; if not, dial *642# with your registered Safaricom number, register, and choose loan repayment. Repayment “is not pegged on a formal job”. HELB says repayment begins one year after completing studies.
Interest
HELB says its loan attracts 4% interest per year, charged after disbursement, on a reducing balance. A payslip balance may look higher because it includes projected interest. Use our HELB repayment calculator for an estimate.
Penalties and employers
HELB’s site says a defaulter pays a fine of not less than KES 5,000 for each unpaid month, and employers who fail to remit pay 5% per month. Employer deductions are due by the 15th of every month.
Getting your CRB status updated
HELB tells listed loanees to make consistent, consecutive monthly repayments for a CRB update. A number used by “Quest Holdings” belongs to HELB’s outsourced debt collector, per HELB.
Frequently asked questions
How do I start repaying HELB if I am not employed?
Dial *642# with your registered Safaricom number, register, and choose loan repayment.
What interest does HELB charge?
4% per year on a reducing balance, charged from disbursement, per HELB.
What is the penalty for default?
HELB’s site says not less than KES 5,000 for each unpaid month.
How do I get off CRB?
HELB says make consistent, consecutive monthly repayments; it has not given a fixed timeline.
Related: How to check your HELB loan status · HELB loan repayment calculator · HELB help hub
Sources: HELB, HELB on X, HELB on X, 11 Aug 2026, HELB on X, 17 Jul 2026, HELB on X, 8 Oct 2026, HELB on X, 23 Feb 2026, HELB on X, 24 Dec 2025, HELB on X, 30 Jul 2026. Last updated October 2026.
