Kenya Medical Training College, Kakamega branch/FILEThe scheme, established in partnership with the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB), targets students undertaking certificate and diploma programmes.
It is designed to help learners cover their tuition fees.
The financial assistance is available to both first-time applicants and continuing students. For the financial year 2024–2025, HELB has opened the portal for loan applications.
“All students applying must follow the outlined steps carefully to ensure a successful application,” KMTC stated.
Application Process for First-Time Students
KMTC students applying for a HELB loan for the first time must follow several steps to register and submit their loan application.
Account registration
Applicants must visit the HELB website at (http://www.hef.co.ke).
They should access the student portal and create an account using their mobile number, national ID number and a valid email address.
They will also need to set a password.
“Applicants are required to ensure the mobile number used is registered under their name,” KMTC said.
Email verification
After registration, users must activate their account by clicking a link sent to their email.
KMTC emphasised that it is important to check both the inbox and the spam/junk folder to locate the activation link.
Profile completion
Once the account is verified, students should log into the portal and update their profile. This includes details about personal information, place of residence, educational history, institution (KMTC) and parent or guardian information.
KMTC noted that the students should also upload all required supporting documents.
Loan application submission
To apply for the loan, students should navigate to the HELB menu in the portal, select the Loan application tab and choose the KMTC Student Financing Scheme.
They must read and accept the data collection consent form and the loan terms and conditions. After that, the student must provide their guarantor's details.
With all the necessary information in place, students can submit their loan application.
A PDF version of the completed application will be emailed to the applicant.
“After submission, students can monitor the progress of their application using their HELB student portal,” KMTC noted.
Steps for continuing students
Students who have previously received a loan from HELB and are applying for the second or subsequent time must follow a slightly different procedure.
App or USSD access
Continuing students should use the HELB App available on the Google Play Store or dial the USSD code *642#.
KMTC advised that the HELB App has been updated, and users must ensure they have the latest version.
One-Time PIN registration
Applicants must register using a phone number under their name to receive a One-Time PIN (OTP), which is required for login.
HELB noted that numbers not registered under the student’s
name will be blocked from continuing with the process.
Personal details and course selection
Applicants should enter their first name as it appears on the national ID card, along with the ID number and a valid email address.
They must then select their loan type, KMTC and choose certificate or diploma as applicable. After this, they click “Apply” on the KMTC subsequent loan section.
Tutorials and financial literacy
Before proceeding, students must read and understand a step-by-step process tutorial and go through a financial literacy guide.
They will also be required to answer questions related to the guide and loan terms before continuing.
Phone number verification and final submission
After starting the application process, applicants must enter their mobile number again to confirm ownership. Once all terms are accepted and information is provided, they can click "submit."
KMTC said a pop-up message will confirm a successful
application and display the loan serial number. This number is evidence that
the student has applied and should be saved.
KMTC noted that for both first-time and continuing applicants, the application is fully paperless.
“No physical documents or printed forms are needed. All information and confirmations will be handled digitally,” KMTC noted.
“Students should ensure they have access to a valid email address and keep their mobile number active throughout the process.”
KMTC warned against falling for fraud.
“HELB does not charge any fees for the loan application process. Any attempt to extort money from students should be reported to authorities,” KMTC warned.
“All applications for both first-time and continuing students must be completed and submitted by June 24, 2025.”
KMTC also noted that no applications will be accepted beyond the deadline.
KMTC encouraged students to carefully read and understand
every step of the application process and complete the financial literacy programme
before applying, saying by doing so, they increase their chances of receiving
support to complete their training and achieve their career goals in the health
sector.
