The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has officially opened applications for its 2026/27 Jielimishe Loan, giving salaried Kenyans an opportunity to access up to Ksh600,000 to finance university, postgraduate, professional and other approved higher education programmes while remaining in employment.
The financing programme is specifically tailored for employed learners looking to advance their academic qualifications or upgrade their professional skills without interrupting their careers.
In announcing the opening of the application window, HELB encouraged eligible applicants to submit their requests through its online platform as early as possible to facilitate timely processing for the new academic year.
Successful applicants will benefit from a range of features designed to make the loan accessible and manageable. These include a competitive annual interest rate of 10 per cent, fast loan processing, flexible repayment periods ranging from 12 to 48 months, and convenient monthly repayments deducted directly through employers’ payroll systems.
The Jielimishe Loan package also includes an affordable credit life insurance cover, offering borrowers additional financial protection throughout the repayment period.
Designed for Working Professionals
Unlike HELB’s undergraduate and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) funding programmes, the Jielimishe Loan is exclusively aimed at salaried individuals pursuing further education while continuing to work.
The initiative forms part of HELB’s broader strategy to expand access to higher education by supporting different categories of learners beyond first-time university students.
The latest announcement comes just weeks after HELB opened applications for first-time undergraduate and TVET loans and scholarships for the 2026/27 academic year.
At the time, the board urged eligible students to apply through its online portal and encouraged early submissions to avoid delays in processing.
Repayment Through Payroll Deductions
For beneficiaries with existing HELB loans, repayments are typically made through employer payroll deductions in line with the board’s repayment guidelines.
HELB has consistently reminded borrowers to remain up to date with their repayments, noting that compliance enables them to obtain HELB compliance certificates when required by employers and government agencies. Those who fully settle their loans are also eligible to apply for clearance certificates.
The board has repeatedly emphasised that timely repayments are critical because they replenish the revolving education fund, enabling future generations of students to access financial support for higher education.
With applications now open, eligible salaried learners across the country can submit their applications through HELB’s online platform as the board continues receiving requests for funding under the 2026/27 academic cycle.
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