HELB Warns Students Against Scammers Posing As Officials

The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has cautioned university students and the general public to be wary of fraudsters impersonating its officials and swindling unsuspecting victims out of their money.

In a statement issued on Thursday, March 20, HELB raised concern over an emerging trend where scammers use social media to deceive individuals by falsely claiming to offer HELB services.

“Scammers are out here pretending to offer HELB services to trick unsuspecting social media users into sending money. Stay alert,” the board stated.

HELB emphasized that all its services are provided free of charge and advised those seeking assistance to only use its official communication channels. The board, which offers financial support to students pursuing higher education in universities and technical institutions, warned that fraudsters have been targeting students in need of loans.

Among the tactics used by scammers is demanding money to “activate” HELB accounts or process loan applications. The board urged students to remain vigilant and avoid sending money to individuals claiming to expedite the loan process. It further advised students to follow its verified social media pages for any official communication.

HELB recently disbursed Sh1.56 billion to support university students and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) trainees with tuition and upkeep funds.

Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba announced on Tuesday that 31,263 TVET trainees and 33,853 university students will benefit from the latest disbursement.

“The beneficiary students and trainees have since been notified of the disbursement through HELB’s official communication channels and advised to check their HELB portals,” Ogamba said.

With this latest allocation, the total amount disbursed in the 2024/2025 financial year now stands at Sh32.7 billion. This funding has supported 195,000 TVET trainees and 390,612 university students across the country.

“The provision of this funding will ensure that student and trainee needs are met, enabling them to continue with their academic, training and research programmes without hindrance.”

The government reiterated its commitment to providing financial support to learners, underscoring the importance of education in national development.