The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has addressed growing public anxiety following reports that it has enlisted auctioneering firms to hunt down unpaid student loans. The clarification comes after a social media firestorm erupted over the board’s aggressive recovery tactics.
The debate ignited on Monday, February 23, when a loan beneficiary posted a screenshot on X (formerly Twitter) of a chilling debt collection message. The post quickly went viral, prompting thousands of Kenyans to question if the board had shifted toward more punitive measures against struggling graduates.
The message in question warned the borrower, “Dear Masta, your Higher Education Loans Board loan of Ksh210,015.79 is now at Swipe Auctioneers. Urgently pay the loan today to avoid tough recovery actions.”
HELB Defends Legal Mandate
While the board did not deny the involvement of third-party recovery agents, it defended the necessity of debt collection. HELB officials noted that repaying these loans is a legal obligation, pointing out that the “revolving fund” model relies entirely on past borrowers to finance the dreams of the next generation.
In a bid to soften its image following the backlash, the board adopted a more encouraging tone on social media, urging defaulters to negotiate rather than hide.
“Good morning, Masta, repaying your HELB loan helps empower the dreams of another deserving Kenyan. Take the first step today toward clearing your loan and making a lasting impact,” the board stated. “Kindly feel free to reach out to us via DM so we can discuss and agree on a suitable repayment plan that works best for you.”
How to Manage and Repay Your Loan
To help borrowers stay on top of their balances and avoid the “auctioneer” stage, HELB provides several digital platforms for seamless repayment and tracking.
*USSD Code 642#: This mobile-based service allows users to register, check balances, and authorize payments directly from their handsets using a PIN.
The HELB Mobile App: Ideal for the tech-savvy, the app offers a more comprehensive view. Unlike the USSD service, it allows users to monitor their full loan statements and track payment history in real-time.
Self-Service Portal: For those preferring a desktop experience, the online portal provides a secure gateway to manage accounts, select various payment methods, and finalize transactions.