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HELB loan repayment calculator

HELB charges 4% per annum on outstanding balance with a KES 1,500/month statutory minimum repayment. Type your balance and monthly payment to see months to clear and total interest. Bumping the payment by KES 1,000/month can save tens of thousands.

KES

Find your balance via the HELB portal or USSD *642#.

KES

HELB minimum is 1,500/month. Pay more to clear faster.

Result

Months to clear

44 mo

Total interest (4% APR)

KES 15,009

Total amount paid

KES 215,009

By paybillke · Updated May 2026

Independent. Not affiliated with any company listed.

HELB 4% per annum reducing balance, KES 1,500 monthly statutory minimum repayment.

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How HELB charges interest

HELB applies a 4% per-annum simple-interest rate while you study (subsidised by the government) and a 4% reducing-balance rate after you graduate or terminate studies. The grace period is 12 months from the date of completion.

Penalty for missed payments

If you miss the KES 1,500 minimum, HELB charges a penalty of KES 5,000/month per missed instalment. This stacks fast, three missed months and you're looking at KES 15,000 of avoidable cost on top of the original loan. Set up a standing order or HELB direct debit to never miss.

How to find your balance

  • USSD: dial *642# on Safaricom
  • Web: helb.co.ke → "My HELB" portal
  • SMS: send your ID number to 21091
  • WhatsApp: +254 711 052 000

Strategies to clear faster

  • Round up: paying KES 5,000 instead of 1,500 cuts most loans from 25 years to 5 years and saves 80% of interest.
  • Lump sums on bonus months: hit the loan with December's 13th cheque or your annual bonus. Each KES 50k lump-sum knocks ~3.5 months off a typical KES 200k balance.
  • Don't refinance to a digital loan: HELB at 4% is cheaper than literally any other Kenyan credit option. Don't be tempted to "consolidate" into Tala or M-Shwari at 30-90% APR.

Frequently asked

Can I be on the CRB for HELB default?

Yes. HELB lists serial defaulters with CRB after 12+ consecutive months of missed payments.

Will my employer deduct HELB automatically?

Only if you give them the standing-order instruction. Many employers do this voluntarily as part of payroll onboarding, check your payslip.

What if I am unemployed?

Notify HELB. They can grant a grace period or restructure your minimum based on your circumstances. Don't simply default, penalties accrue.

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