The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has released fresh guidelines for students and loan applicants on how to update their details, especially when they change their phone numbers.
The advisory comes as many students continue to face challenges accessing services after swapping or losing their SIM cards.
According to HELB, updating your phone number is very important because most of its services—such as checking loan status or accessing funds—are linked to your registered line and accessed through the USSD code (*642#).
Failure to update your details could cause delays in loan disbursements or block access to other key services.
“We encourage students to maintain their registered mobile number throughout their study period for smooth transactions,” HELB noted in its advisory released on September 10.
Ways to Update Your HELB Details
HELB outlined several ways students can update their phone number after a SIM swap:
- Visit HELB Offices or Huduma Centres
Students can go directly to the HELB headquarters at Anniversary Towers (M1) in Nairobi. Alternatively, they can seek help at HELB desks located in Huduma Centres across the country, where staff will guide them on how to make the necessary changes. - Use HELB’s Official Communication Channels
Applicants can contact HELB through its verified phone lines or email addresses. Before reaching out, students should have their National ID number ready, as it is required to verify their identity. - Social Media Platforms
HELB has official social media pages where applicants can send a Direct Message (DM) with their ID number and new phone number. Students are urged to only use verified accounts to avoid falling prey to fraudsters. - Download and Submit the Update Form
On the HELB website, there is a downloadable form titled “Student’s Personal Bank and Phone Details Change Request Form.” Students can fill in the new phone number along with other required details. The form should then be submitted with a clear explanation that the changes are due to a SIM card swap or new phone number.
HELB emphasized that regularly updating personal details helps to avoid service interruptions, delays in loan payments, and communication breakdowns.
Current HELB Application Updates
Alongside the advisory, HELB shared the latest figures on loan applications. As of September 9, 2025, a total of 1,150,578 students had applied for HELB loans.
Out of these, 753,227 applications came from undergraduate students, while 397,351 applications were from TVET (Technical and Vocational Education and Training) students.
The board further reminded first-time applicants that the loan application portal remains open until September 14, 2025. Students who have not yet applied were urged to take advantage of the window to secure funding for their education.
In summary: If you’ve changed your SIM card, don’t wait until you face loan delays. Update your HELB details immediately through offices, Huduma Centres, official communication lines, social media DMs, or by submitting the update form.
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