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.
Also see: HELB Loan Calculator
Quick Tips for Organization:
- Format: Save all documents (ID, Logbook, Death Certificates) as PDFs under 2MB.
- Naming: Name your files clearly (e.g.,
My_ID_Both_Sides.pdf,Admission_Letter.pdf). - 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.
Professional HELB Registration Assistance
Need help with your HELB application or compliance? Visit us in-person at JO-TECH Cyber or reach out to our experts online.
Location: Mbale, Vihiga County (along Kisumu-Kakamega Highway)
WhatsApp: +254 710 200 886
Email: jotechcyber.services@gmail.com
Read: How to Start a Bookshop Business in Kenya
