The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has rolled out a straightforward way for students who applied for loans as minors to update their national ID numbers on the application portal.
In a notice shared on Monday, July 21, HELB provided a step-by-step guide for those who initially applied using their KCSE index numbers in place of national IDs. Now that many of them have received their ID cards, the board is urging them to update their details to ensure accurate records.
“Just got your ID after applying for the HELB Loan using your KCSE index number? Now’s the time to update your ID number! Follow these easy steps to keep your account information current,” the notice read.
To update their information, students must log into their existing Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal accounts – the same ones they used with their KCSE index numbers. Once logged in, the system will prompt them to enter their ID number and first name as they appear on their national ID, then click “Validate.”
A confirmation pop-up will notify them once the ID has been successfully updated. To complete the process, they must click on the “Register” tab.
HELB has urged students not to create new accounts, warning: “Do not create a new account. Simply update the one you opened using your index number with your National ID details.”
This development comes after HELB opened its portal for the 2025/2026 academic year, targeting students who sat their KCSE exams in 2024. First-time applicants must apply through www.hef.co.ke, while continuing students can apply via the HELB mobile app or by dialing *642#.
