The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has issued fresh instructions to students who applied for higher education funding before turning 18, clarifying how they should update their National ID details on the Higher Education Fund (HEF) portal.
The agency warned students against creating new accounts after receiving their National IDs, saying they should instead update their existing profiles.
The move aims to prevent funding disruptions and ensure student records remain accurate as the government continues reforms to Kenya's higher education financing system.
HELB New Guidelines for Updating National ID Details Aim to Prevent Funding Disruptions
HELB said the new guidance applies to students who registered on the HEF portal using their KCSE index numbers because they had not attained the age required to obtain a National ID.
According to the board, affected students should log into the same HEF account they created using their KCSE index number.
Once logged in, a pop-up window will prompt them to update their National ID details.
Students must enter their National ID number and first name exactly as they appear on the National ID card before clicking the "Validate" button.
After successful verification, another notification will confirm that the National ID has been updated, after which students should click the "Register" tab to complete the process.
HELB Warns Students Against Creating New HEF Accounts
HELB emphasized that students should not create new HEF accounts after obtaining their National IDs.
Instead, they should only update the accounts they originally opened using their KCSE index numbers.
The board explained that many students apply for higher education funding before turning 18, making it necessary to use their KCSE index numbers until they receive National ID cards.
Updating existing accounts ensures student records remain consistent and allows beneficiaries to continue accessing funding services without unnecessary delays.
Education Funding Reforms Gather Momentum
The advisory comes as Parliament considers the Tertiary Placement and Funding Bill, 2026, which proposes sweeping reforms to higher education financing.
If passed, the legislation will establish the Tertiary Education Funding Authority (TEFA) by merging the functions of HELB, the Universities Fund and the TVET Fund into a single institution.
The proposed reforms seek to streamline student financing, improve efficiency and make higher education more affordable and accessible across universities, colleges and TVET institutions.
Steps to Update National ID Details on the HEF Portal
| Step | Action |
|---|---|
| 1 | Log into your existing HEF account using your KCSE index number |
| 2 | Wait for the National ID update pop-up |
| 3 | Enter your National ID number and first name exactly as on the ID |
| 4 | Click "Validate" |
| 5 | Confirm the successful update message |
| 6 | Click "Register" to complete the process |
Students who registered as minors are encouraged to update their National ID details immediately after receiving their IDs to safeguard their funding records and avoid delays in accessing higher education financial support.
