HELB intensifies plans to track loan defaulters using police officers
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has intensified plans to partner with law enforcement agencies, including police officers, to track down loan defaulters as part of aggressive recovery efforts to salvage its deteriorating financial position.
HELB Chief Executive Officer Geoffrey Monari revealed the strategy during a meeting with the National Assembly’s Public Investments Committee on Governance and Education on Friday, May 30, 2025, stating that the board’s loan portfolio faces significant risk due to widespread defaults by past beneficiaries.
According to Monari, HELB is finalising partnerships with law enforcement agencies to trace graduates both locally and abroad who are gainfully employed but have failed to begin servicing their education loans.
“This is not just about finance,” Monari emphasised.
He explained that the initiative aims to boost recovery rates and address the funding shortfalls that have left thousands of students unable to access loans.
“It’s about fostering a sense of responsibility and patriotism among those who have benefited from the fund. Compliance ensures we can support future generations from needy backgrounds,” he added.
In response, members of the Committee urged HELB to step up community engagement and awareness efforts.
“The Committee members challenged HELB to intensify efforts in community outreach through advertising, showcasing real-life testimonials from beneficiaries, and pursuing external resource mobilisation beyond government capitation,” a press statement from the National Assembly dated May 30, 2025, stated.
JKF’s financial crisis
The session also addressed the dire financial position of the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF), a key player in Kenya’s scholarship and educational publishing sector.
According to Managing Director David Mwaniki, JKF has recorded a net loss of Ksh286.6 million, with cumulative losses surpassing Ksh592 million.
He attributed this sharp decline to government policy changes in textbook procurement, which he said have severely impacted the foundation’s cash flow, resulting in negative working capital.
“We have already appealed for financial intervention from the Ministry of Education to settle our most urgent liabilities,” Mwaniki stated, referencing a formal request made through letter Ref: MOE.CONF/G11/2/2/Vol.III (34).
In a possible lifeline, the Presidential Working Party on education reforms has recommended that JKF be designated the government’s provider of last-resort scholarships, a role that could secure state funding and reposition the institution for long-term sustainability.
Calls for education reforms
In light of these developments, the committee resolved to summon Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Migos Ogamba to present a comprehensive action plan addressing the structural and financial challenges facing both HELB and JKF.
“Education is the backbone of our nation’s future. We must not allow these institutions to collapse. Their survival is a matter of national interest,” Committee Chair Sigei remarked.
The lawmakers underscored the importance of securing long-term sustainability for both institutions to safeguard equitable access to education for future generations.
“The Committee members unanimously emphasised the importance of saving HELB and JKF, recognising their critical roles in supporting Kenya’s educational infrastructure,” the statement adds.
