As of January 2026, thousands of Kenyan students are eagerly refreshing their portals in anticipation of the much-awaited Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Semester 2 disbursements. The anxiety is understandable—upkeep and tuition support are critical as institutions reopen for the January–April 2026 trimester.
The good news? HELB funds have officially started hitting student accounts. Verified updates from the Higher Education Financing (HEF) Portal confirm that the government has begun processing and releasing funds, bringing relief to many university and TVET students across the country. Thanks to one of the students who shared their Helb account disbursement status as follows:
HELB Disbursement Update: January 2026
For weeks, the most common question among students has been:
“Is HELB out?”
As of now, the answer for many beneficiaries is a resounding YES.
Several students have reported that their Loan History section on the HEF portal has been updated with new entries for Semester 2 funding. Screenshots circulating online show processed transactions dated late December 2025, signaling the official start of disbursements.
Breakdown of HELB Funds Disbursed for Semester 2 (2026)
Based on verified student records from the HEF portal, the following allocations have already been processed:
1. Semester 2 Upkeep (Mobile Wallet)
- Ksh 15,500 – Main upkeep amount
- Ksh 500 – Supplementary amount
- Processing Date: December 24, 2025
These funds were credited directly to students’ registered mobile wallets, allowing many to access upkeep funds just before the start of the new year.
2. Tuition Loan (Paid to Institutions)
- Ksh 4,000 (amount varies depending on student category and assessment)
- Sent directly to the institution’s account, not the student
This confirms that both upkeep and tuition components of the Semester 2 HELB loan are being released, albeit in stages.
What To Do If You Haven’t Received HELB Yet
If your friends or classmates have received their funds and you haven’t, don’t panic. HELB disbursements are typically done in batches.
Here’s what you should do:
1. Check Your HEF Portal Status
Log in to the HEF Portal and navigate to the “Loan History” tab.
- Processed – Funds have already been sent
- Payment in Progress – Disbursement is underway
- Allocated – Waiting for payment batch
If it shows Processed, your money is either already in your wallet or with your institution.
2. Confirm Your Mobile Wallet Details
Ensure the phone number registered with HELB is:
- Active
- Correct
- Registered under your name
You can check your balance or withdraw funds using the USSD code:
*642#
3. Exercise Patience
HELB does not disburse funds to all students at once. If your details are correct, your funds may simply be queued for the next batch.
Why Some Students Receive HELB Earlier Than Others
Several factors affect HELB disbursement timelines, including:
- Institution type (University or TVET)
- Student funding category (Loan vs. Scholarship)
- Accuracy of personal and banking details
- Year of study and government prioritization
Even students in the same institution may receive funds on different dates.
A Timely Boost for the January–April 2026 Trimester
The release of HELB funds comes at a crucial time as students resume studies under the government’s Student-Centered Funding Model. For many, this support will cover accommodation, meals, transport, and essential learning materials.
To avoid future delays:
- Keep your HEF portal details updated
- Monitor your Loan History regularly
- Follow official HELB and HEF updates
Final Thoughts
HELB Semester 2 funds for 2026 are officially rolling out, with December 24, 2025, marking the start of confirmed disbursements. While not everyone has received their allocation yet, the process is active and ongoing.
👉 Have you received your HELB funds?
Log in to your portal, check your status, and stay alert for upcoming batches.
Disclaimer:
HELB disbursement dates and amounts may vary depending on your institution, funding category (Scholarship vs. Loan), and individual assessment.