HELB Loan Calculator
4% reducing balance · 25% gross salary check-off · Full amortization 🇰🇪
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HELB loan repayment, explained
The HELB loan calculator projects your full repayment schedule for a Higher Education Loans Board loan in Kenya. It applies the 4% per annum interest on a reducing balance, the KES 1,000 annual ledger fee, and the standard salary check-off of 25% of gross pay, then shows month-by-month how long the loan takes to clear and the total interest you will pay.
You can model a fixed monthly repayment instead, or add a lump sum to see how much faster you clear the balance. Paying HELB early saves real money, every month of delay adds interest plus the ledger fee, and clearing it unlocks your HELB Clearance Certificate, which many employers and tenders require.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the HELB interest rate?
For undergraduate and TVET loans: 4% per annum on reducing balance. For HELB Jielimishe (for already-employed students): 10% per annum. Plus a KES 1,000 annual ledger fee.
When does HELB start charging interest?
Interest accrues immediately after the grace period ends, usually 1 year after graduation. During university and the grace year, no interest is added. Once you graduate and 12 months pass, the meter starts.
How much does HELB deduct from my salary?
HELB defaults to a salary check-off of 25% of your gross monthly salary if you are formally employed. If you are not formally employed, the minimum monthly repayment is KES 1,500. You can negotiate a fixed amount if 25% creates hardship.
What is the penalty for late HELB repayment?
KES 5,000 per month for every month the loan remains unpaid past the start of the repayment period. This penalty does not accrue interest itself but adds quickly, a year of default = KES 60,000 in penalties alone.
Can I clear HELB early?
Yes, and you should, every month you delay adds 4% interest on the balance plus the KES 83 monthly ledger fee. Pay extra whenever you can. There is no early-repayment penalty. Once cleared, request a HELB Clearance Certificate, many employers and government tenders require it.