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How civil servants in Kenya can access HELB loans
06th November, 2025 12:03 PM
The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has made it easier for Kenyan civil servants to pursue higher education without financial strain. T
Through the Civil Servants Training Revolving Fund (CSTRF), employees working in government institutions, including the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), National Police Service (NPS), county governments, and various ministries, can now access affordable loans to advance their studies.
This initiative supports the government’s goal of improving capacity, professionalism, and service delivery within the public sector.
Below is a detailed guide on how civil servants can apply for and benefit from HELB loans.
1. What Is the Civil Servants Training Revolving Fund (CSTRF)?
The CSTRF is a special loan facility established by HELB, in partnership with the National Treasury and the Ministry of Public Service, that provides financial assistance to civil servants who wish to pursue higher education at accredited institutions, whether locally or abroad.
Unlike regular HELB loans, this fund is tailored explicitly for employed government staff and offers low-interest, flexible repayment options deducted directly from the payroll.
2. Who Qualifies for the Loan?
To be eligible, an applicant must:
- Be a Kenyan citizen working in the public service (national or county government, TSC, or a parastatal).
- Hold a confirmed and valid employment letter.
- Have an admission letter from a recognized higher learning institution in Kenya or abroad.
- Have their application endorsed by their employer’s training or human resource department.
This ensures that the programme aligns with both the employee’s career development and the organization’s capacity-building goals.
3. What the Loan Covers
The CSTRF loan can finance various education-related expenses, including:
- Tuition and examination fees
- Research and thesis costs
- Books and study materials
- Accommodation and living expenses (where applicable)
- Travel costs for those studying abroad
4. How to Apply for the HELB Civil Servants’ Loan
The application process is simple and digital:
- Visit the HELB website at www.helb.co.ke.
- Navigate to the Civil Servants Training Revolving Fund (CSTRF) section.
- Create an account or log in to the HELB portal.
- Fill in the loan application form and upload all required documents, including:
- National ID
- Payslip (latest three months)
- Admission letter
- Employer’s approval letter
- Training bond (if required by your organization)
- National ID
- Submit the application online and print a copy for reference.
HELB will review the application and notify successful applicants via email or SMS.
5. Loan Repayment
The repayment process for the CSTRF is designed to be convenient. Deductions are usually made directly from the applicant’s salary every month through the employer. The interest rate is low and subsidised, ensuring affordability and sustainability of the revolving fund for future applicants.
