Categories: HELB News Portal

Lower Helb loan interest rates and 5 year repayment grace period on the way for beneficiaries

Beneficiaries of Higher Education Loans Board, Helb, funding would pay reduced loan interest rates if a Bill by Hon Gideon Keter (who is a Jubilee Party nominated Member of Parliament represent Youth interests in the National Assembly) sails through.

Interest charged on university and college student loans will be cut to 3% and the grace period for repayment increased to five years after graduation if lawmakers approve changes to the Higher Education Loans Board (Helb) Act.
Under the proposed law, interest on the loans will fall from 4% to cushion jobless graduates from the Sh5,000 monthly fine for defaults.

“The aim of this proposals is to reduce the financial burden on recent graduates who are expected to pay large sums of money to Helb even before securing employment or becoming financially stable…… It sets the percentage of interest that may be charged on the loan advanced at three percent. It also provides that the penalty charged on defaulting of the loan shall be charged after securing employment or five years after completion of studies.” Reads the bill that was tabled in Parliament.

The agency in January this year said it was pursuing some 78,328 defaulters holding Sh7.7 billion as at December 31 last year (2019).

If passed, the new law will provide a big relief to thousands of unemployed youths who have hge Helb loan balances to clear.

There has been a sharp increase in university enrollment, since 2014, a scenario that has seen rise in demand for loans.

The proposed Bill that will see Helb beneficiaries pay lesser interest loans.

In line with the current Cost Sharing Policy, where Government sponsored students receive about 80% GoK subsidy, HELB can therefore award a maximum loan of Sh60,000 and a maximum bursary of Sh.8,000.

See also;
By Editorial Team

The Education News Hub Editorial Team is made up of vibrant and experienced editors. Brian Yano is an accomplished longtime Digital Media Journalist at Educationnewshub.co.ke with a great passion for research and fact-checking. He delivers engaging content across diverse topics, with a special interest in Education matters. On her part, Yvonne Kemunto is a journalist, dedicated to unraveling stories that matter. With a keen eye for detail and a passion for storytelling, she brings a fresh perspective to the world of media. Her commitment to detail and excellence shines through in every piece she crafts. Our newest member of the Editorial Team is Jennifer Mumbo. She is a Seasoned Multimedia Journalist with several years' experience; dating back to 2018. Jennifer has a passion for education, sports, tech, politics and entertainment. You can reach the editors at educationnewshub3@gmail.com.

Share
Published by
By Editorial Team

Recent Posts

Mwalimu National Sacco BOSA Loans Application Form {Free Download}

Get the latest Mwalimu National Sacco BOSA Loans Application Form {Free Download}, here. PDF Latest…

4 hours ago

Mwalimu National Sacco FOSA Salary Advance Application Form {Free Download}

Here is the revised and latest Mwalimu National Sacco FOSA Salary Advance Application Form {Free…

4 hours ago

Mwalimu National Sacco FOSA Instant Loan Application Form {Free Download}

Here is the latest Mwalimu National Sacco FOSA Instant Loan Application Form {Free Download}. Download…

5 hours ago

Best slots with sticky wilds and expanding symbols in 2026

The landscape of digital gambling has shifted toward high-octane mechanics that prioritize volatility and massive…

5 hours ago

Advertised TSC Secretariat Vacancies in 2026 {Requirements and How To Apply}

The Teachers Service Commission (TSC) has advertised 170 job vacancies across, covering senior, mid‑level, and…

5 hours ago

Health CS Duale announces major changes to the Teachers’ SHA Medical Scheme

Health Cabinet Secretary Aden Duale has ordered immediate changes to the Social Health Authority (SHA)…

10 hours ago