HELB Loan Calculator (Kenya)
Free HELB repayment calculator for 2026. Project 4% undergraduate / STRF or 10% Jielimishe on a reducing balance, plus the Ksh 1,000 ledger fee and optional 25% salary check-off.
Loan details
25% check-off is a working default — HELB can agree another amount.
Non-formal employment is often floored at Ksh 1,500/month.
Reducing balance plus Ksh 1,000 ledger a year (spread monthly). Estimate only — your HELB statement is the source of truth.
Monthly deduction
Ksh —
Enter a balance and a payment.
- Interest rate
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- Months to clear
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- Total interest
- Ksh —
- Ledger fees
- Ksh —
- Total repaid
- Ksh —
First year of schedule
How HELB repayment works
Undergraduate, TVET, KMTC and STRF loans charge 4% a year on the reducing balance plus a Ksh 1,000 annual ledger fee. Jielimishe (employed students) is 10% plus the same ledger. Repayment usually starts within a year of finishing studies. If you are in formal work, your employer deducts and remits; this tool uses 25% of gross as a starting point. Product rules: helb.co.ke.
Frequently asked questions
What interest does HELB charge? +
Undergraduate, TVET, KMTC and STRF loans are 4% a year on the reducing balance plus a Ksh 1,000 annual ledger fee. Jielimishe (for already-employed students) is 10% plus the same ledger. Confirm the product on your HELB statement.
Is the monthly deduction 25% of my salary? +
For formal employment HELB instructs the employer to deduct and remit. 25% of gross is a widely used starting point and can be negotiated in hardship. If you are not in formal work, a Ksh 1,500 monthly floor is commonly applied. This tool lets you model either check-off or a fixed amount.
How long will it take to repay my HELB loan? +
It depends on the balance and the monthly amount. Example: Ksh 250,000 at 4% with 25% of a Ksh 80,000 salary (Ksh 20,000 a month) clears in about 13 months in this calculator. Enter your own figures for a schedule.
Does HELB charge a ledger fee? +
Yes. HELB publishes a Ksh 1,000 annual ledger / administrative fee on top of interest. This tool spreads that fee across the year in the monthly figure. Your statement is the source of truth.
When does HELB repayment start? +
Usually within one year of completing studies, or earlier if the Board recalls the loan. You may pay voluntarily before then. There is typically no penalty for clearing early. Only HELB can issue a clearance certificate.
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