How to Update HELB Loan Application Details Without ID

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has issued a crucial update for students who applied for higher education loans before acquiring their national identification (ID) cards.

In a notice issued on Monday, July 21, HELB detailed a step-by-step process that will allow such applicants, mostly those who used their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) index numbers instead of national ID numbers during the loan application process, to now update their records with their official ID details.

This development is timely, particularly for many fresh high school graduates who had initiated their HELB applications using KCSE index numbers due to not yet having received their national IDs. According to HELB, updating the ID details is essential to ensure the accuracy of personal information and smooth processing of loans and scholarships under the Higher Education Financing (HEF) program.

“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 from HELB read.

Read Also: HELB Reopens Loan Application Portal For KMTC Students, Sets Deadline

How To Update ID Number on the HEF Portal

1. Log into Your HEF Account

Applicants should begin by logging into the HEF portal via www.hef.co.ke using the same login credentials they used when applying with their KCSE index number.

2. Prompt to Update ID:

Once logged in, users will receive a prompt to update their ID information.

3. Enter ID Details

Applicants are required to input their national ID number and first name exactly as they appear on their official identification card.

4. Validate Information

After entering the correct details, users should click the “Validate” button.

5. Confirmation Pop-Up

A pop-up message will appear, confirming that the ID has been successfully updated.

6. Complete the Process

To finalize the update, applicants must click on the “Register” tab.

HELB cautioned students against creating new accounts, emphasizing that all updates must be made on the original accounts opened using KCSE index numbers.

“Do not create a new account. Simply update the one you opened using your index number with your National ID details,” the Board warned.

The update on ID numbers comes shortly after HELB opened the application portal for loans and scholarships for the 2025/2026 academic year. The current application cycle targets both first-time undergraduate and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) students, especially those who sat the KCSE in 2024.

According to HELB First-time applicants are required to apply through the HEF portal at www.hef.co.ke.

Continuing students can submit their subsequent loan applications either through the HELB Mobile App or by dialing USSD code *642#.

“We have now opened the portal. The 2025–2026 First Time and Subsequent Applications for Undergraduate & TVET Loans & Scholarships are now open,” read a statement from HELB.

HELB’s announcement followed closely after the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS) released its 2025 placement results, enabling students to begin the process of applying for government funding.

According to KUCCPS, a total of 244,563 candidates qualified for placement into degree programs based on their KCSE 2024 performance. Out of these, 201,695 candidates applied for placement in various universities and colleges. In total, 310,502 students were successfully placed across a range of academic programs, including both degree and diploma courses.

The simultaneous opening of both placement and loan application portals aims to streamline the transition from high school to higher education by giving students timely access to financial aid and academic opportunities.

With this latest move, HELB continues to support the government’s objective of expanding access to affordable education through structured financial support mechanisms, particularly targeting students from low- and middle-income backgrounds.

Read Also: HELB Opens Loan And Scholarship Applications, Deadline And How To Apply