Complete List of Requirements for HELB Application – 2026

When you need to apply for HELB for the first time via the HEF portal in 2026, the following details are required; some are mandatory while others are optional.

Requirements for HELB Application (First-Time)

1. Applicant’s Personal Information

  • National ID Card: Scanned copy of both sides (PDF).
    • Note: If under 18, use a scanned copy of your Birth Certificate.
  • Passport Photo: Clear, color photo with a white background (JPEG).
  • KRA PIN: Required for all applicants over 18 (Download from iTax).
  • Valid Email Address: Must be active (this is where your account activation link goes).
  • Personal Phone Number: Must be registered in your name via Safaricom/Airtel/Telkom.
  • Physical Address: County, Constituency, Ward, Location, Sub-location, and Village.

2. Education & Institution Details

  • Academic Certificates:
    • KCPE Index Number & Examination Year.
    • KCSE Index Number & Examination Year.
  • Admission Letter: Scanned copy of your University/College admission letter (PDF).
  • Institution Details: Admission Number, Course Name, Course Duration, and Year of Completion.
  • Sponsorship Details: If you were sponsored in secondary school (e.g., Wings to Fly, Elimu), you need the sponsorship letter/certificate.

3. Family & Parents’ Information

  • Father’s Details: ID Number, KRA PIN, Phone Number, Email, and Occupation.
  • Mother’s Details: ID Number, KRA PIN, Phone Number, Email, and Occupation.
  • If Orphaned: * Death Certificate(s) of parent(s) in PDF.
    • An official letter from a Chief or Priest to ascertain the information.
  • If Single Parent: Provide details for the available parent and a brief explanation/support document if required.

4. Guarantors (2 Required)

  • Note: These are people who will be contacted if you fail to pay. They can be your parents or other employed/reputable adults.
  • Full Names (as per ID).
  • ID Numbers.
  • KRA PINs.
  • Phone Numbers & Emails.
  • Physical Address: County, Constituency, Ward, Location, and Sub-location.
  • Occupation Details: Employer details.

5. Disbursement & Financial Info

  • Bank Details: Bank Name, Branch, and your personal Account Number.
  • Alternative (Mobile): A valid M-Pesa number registered in your name.

HEF Financial Literacy: You must also complete a short online “Financial Literacy” quiz/tutorial on the HEF portal before submitting.


Quick Tips for Organization:

  1. Format: Save all documents (ID, Logbook, Death Certificates) as PDFs under 2MB.
  2. Naming: Name your files clearly (e.g., My_ID_Both_Sides.pdf, Admission_Letter.pdf).
  3. Paperless: For 2026, the application is 100% paperless. You do not need to drop off hard copies at Huduma Centres unless specifically flagged for an audit.

For assistance visit us or contact as via WhatsApp [+254710200886] or via mail: jotechcyber.services@gmail.com.

Read: How to Start a Bookshop Business in Kenya

Author

  • Jozam Chahenza profile picture

    Jozam Chahenza is a writer and developer at JO-TECH Cyber, specializing in step-by-step tutorials, tools, and web applications that equip Kenyans and global readers with practical digital skills and technical knowledge. He holds a Diploma in Information Technology from the East Africa Institute of Certified Studies (EAICS)