Finance

HELB Jielimishe Loan and Postgraduate Funding: Who Qualifies and How It Works

Kenyan junior software developer – helb jielimishe loan
Kenyan junior software developer. Photo: DorahMalemba / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Employed people often ask HELB whether they can borrow again, especially for a Master’s degree.

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.

Jielimishe: for salaried applicants

HELB says Jielimishe is for eligible employed individuals and supports salaried students on Master’s programmes; employment is mandatory. You can apply even if you have not cleared your undergraduate loan, as long as you are actively repaying.

Kenyan analyst working on laptops in an open-plan office – illustrating helb jielimishe loan
Kenyan analyst working on laptops in an open-plan office. Photo: <a href=”//commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php?title=User:Dwalsh3&action=edit&redl / CC BY-SA 4.0 via Wikimedia Commons

Processing and repayment

HELB says processing takes about two weeks, and the repayment period is 48 months, starting immediately on disbursement. If you lose your job, inform HELB promptly to agree a repayment arrangement.

Civil Servants Training Revolving Fund

For civil servants HELB advertises 4% interest a year, up to KES 500,000, and 12–72 months repayment via check-off.

Frequently asked questions

Can I get a HELB Master’s loan without clearing my undergraduate loan?

Yes, through Jielimishe, if you are employed and actively repaying, per HELB.

How long is Jielimishe repayment?

48 months, starting immediately on disbursement, per HELB.

Who can use the Training Revolving Fund?

Civil servants: up to KES 500,000 at 4% a year over 12–72 months, per HELB.

Related: How to check your HELB loan status · HELB loan repayment calculator · HELB help hub

About Author

Norah Waceke is a business journalist and editor at Business Radar with more than eight years of experience covering Kenya's economy, companies and markets. She previously worked at Kenyans.co.ke, one of the country's leading digital news platforms, where she reported on business, finance and current affairs. A graduate of Multimedia University of Kenya, Norah focuses on clear, accurate reporting that helps readers understand the money stories shaping their lives and businesses.

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