HELB Has Introduced New Loans For Civil Servants, Requirements And How To Apply

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has issued a fresh call to civil servants across the country, urging them to take advantage of the Training Revolving Fund (TRF) to further their academic qualifications and professional skills.

In a statement released on Wednesday, August 12, 2025, HELB announced that the loan facility is specifically tailored for civil servants working within the Ministries of the National Government, County Governments, the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), and the National Police Service (NPS).

According to HELB, the Training Revolving Fund was established through a partnership between the Ministry of Public Service and the loans board, with the primary aim of enabling civil servants to pursue advanced education without the burden of high commercial loan interest rates.

“This fund is set aside for the Ministry of Public Service to work in collaboration with HELB for Civil Servants in the National Government, County Governments, National Police Service, and Teachers Service Commission to pursue Certificate, Diploma, Higher National Diploma, Master’s, PhD, and Professional courses,” the statement read in part.

One of the most attractive aspects of the fund is that it carries no processing fees, making it more accessible and affordable for applicants. Eligible civil servants can borrow up to KSh 500,000 per year, depending on the cost of their chosen programme.

The repayment period Is flexible, stretching up to 72 months (six years), and is managed through a convenient check-off system, meaning the repayments are deducted directly from the borrower’s salary. The loan also features a modest interest rate of 4 percent per annum, calculated on a reducing balance, which significantly reduces the overall cost compared to commercial loans.

Eligibility and Application Requirements

HELB has outlined a detailed list of eligibility criteria for civil servants who wish to apply for the fund:

1. Admission Letter: Applicants must have a valid admission letter from a recognized university or training institution in Kenya
2. Proof of Income: They must submit certified copies of their three most recent payslips, with a requirement that the net pay reflected is at least one-third of their basic pay.
3. Personal Identification: Applicants are required to provide copies of their National Identity Card and Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA) PIN certificate
4. Guarantors: Each applicant must secure two guarantors who are also employed in the civil service and provide copies of their National IDs.
5. Photographs: The application must be accompanied by recent, coloured passport-size photographs.

HELB stressed that these requirements are intended to ensure that only eligible and financially stable applicants access the fund, thereby maintaining sustainability and preventing defaults.

Step-by-Step Online Application Process

Civil servants intending to apply for the Training Revolving Fund must complete the process through the HELB online portal. The application process involves several steps:

1. Create an Account

The applicant should begin by visiting the HELB student portal and creating a new account using their National ID number and a valid email address. An activation link will be sent to the email provided, and the applicant must click on it to verify the account before proceeding.

2. Complete the Personal Profile

After account activation, the applicant logs in to the portal and updates their profile under the “My Profile” section. This includes personal details, residence information, academic history, and uploading the required supporting documents.

3. Fill Out the Loan Application Form

In the “Loan Application” tab, the applicant selects the “Civil Servants Training Revolving Fund” option, reads and accepts the terms and conditions, then fills in details such as next of kin, employment information, and guarantor details.

4. Submit and Print the Application

Once the online application is completed, it must be submitted, after which the applicant prints a hard copy. This printed form should be signed and stamped by the relevant employer or authorised officer. All supporting documents are then attached to the signed copy.

5. Final Submission via Email

The completed and signed application form, together with all attachments, should be scanned into a single PDF document and sent to the official HELB email address designated for the fund.

HELB has emphasised that the Training Revolving Fund is an important tool in helping government employees upgrade their qualifications, improve career prospects, and ultimately enhance service delivery in public institutions.

By offering affordable, long-term financing, the programme aims to remove financial barriers that often prevent working professionals from pursuing further education. This, according to HELB, will contribute to a more skilled, knowledgeable, and effective public service workforce.

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