The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) remains a cornerstone of Kenya’s higher education system, empowering thousands of students to pursue their academic dreams through affordable student loans. As the 2025/2026 academic year unfolds, many students are anxiously tracking their HELB batch status to confirm when their student loans in Kenya will be disbursed. Recent updates from HELB, including delays and the absence of batch numbers for some applicants, have sparked widespread concern.
Understanding the HELB Batch Status Process
HELB’s loan disbursement process is structured to ensure efficiency and transparency. Each successful applicant is assigned a batch number, a unique identifier used to track the progress of student loans in Kenya through various stages: Registered, Verified, Allocated, Disbursement in Progress, and Paid to Account. These batch numbers are critical for students to monitor their HELB batch status and confirm when funds for tuition and upkeep are disbursed.
Some students have reported that their HELB batch status shows “Allocated” or “Disbursement in Progress” without a visible batch number. According to an official statement from HELB, “the disbursement of your loan has been initiated. Kindly remain patient, as the batch numbers will soon be visible in the portal” (helb.co.ke). This delay has caused frustration, particularly for students relying on these funds for tuition, accommodation, and other essentials.
Why Are Batch Numbers Missing?
Several factors contribute to the absence of batch numbers or delays in HELB disbursement 2025:
- Government Funding Delays: HELB relies on government allocations, and any shortfall or delay in budget releases can slow down disbursements (Business Radar, 2025).
- Verification Bottlenecks: Incomplete or incorrect application details, such as outdated National ID information, can stall the verification process, delaying batch number allocation.
- System Updates: HELB is undergoing digital transformation to improve efficiency, which may temporarily affect portal updates and batch number visibility (Kopacash, 2025).
- High Application Volume: With the 2025/2026 application window open until August 31, 2025, the influx of first-time and subsequent applicants may overwhelm processing systems (helb.co.ke).
Current HELB Disbursement Status
HELB has begun disbursing upkeep funds directly to students’ accounts for those with batch numbers marked “Paid to Account.” Tuition loans for these batches have largely been sent to university accounts. However, some batches remain unpaid, with students reporting persistent “Allocated” statuses .
For students without batch numbers, HELB advises patience, as the system is being updated in phases. The board has assured students that scholarship funds, processed separately under the new Variable Scholarships and Loans Funding Model, will also be disbursed soon. Upkeep amounts for 2025 are structured by bands:
- Band 1: Ksh60,000/year (Ksh30,000/semester)
- Band 2: Ksh55,000/year (Ksh27,500/semester)
- Band 3: Ksh50,000/year (Ksh25,000/semester)
- Band 4: Ksh45,000/year (Ksh22,500/semester)
- Band 5: Ksh40,000/year (Ksh20,000/semester)
How to Check Your HELB Batch Status
To stay updated on your HELB batch status, follow these steps:
- Visit the HELB Student Portal: Log in at portal.hef.co.ke using your email and password.
- Check Loan Status: Navigate to the loan status section to view your batch number and disbursement progress.
- Contact HELB Support: If your status remains unclear, email contactcentre@helb.co.ke or call 0722052000.
- Use the HELB App: Download the updated HELB app from Google Play Store or Apple App Store to track your status and withdraw funds to M-Pesa (helb.co.ke).
Students should ensure their contact details, including phone numbers and National IDs, are updated to avoid verification issues.
Addressing Delays: What Students Can Do
The delays in HELB disbursement 2025 have left some students unable to register for units or cover basic needs. Universities like Kenyatta University have responded by allowing students listed in HELB batch allocations to register pending fund release (ku.ac.ke). Here are practical steps to navigate these challenges:
- Confirm Batch Inclusion: Verify with your university’s finance office if your name appears in HELB’s batch lists.
- Explore Alternatives: Consider short-term financing options .
- Appeal for More Funds: If your allocated amount is insufficient, submit a loan review form on the HELB portal (helb.co.ke).
- Stay Informed: Follow HELB’s official social media and website for real-time updates on student loans in Kenya.
In conclusion, while delays in HELB disbursement 2025 are frustrating, they are not insurmountable. By staying informed, verifying application details, and exploring interim solutions, students can navigate these challenges and focus on their education. HELB’s ongoing efforts to enhance its digital systems promise a more efficient future for student loans in Kenya, ensuring that no deserving student is left behind.
