Students who applied for higher education funding before obtaining a National Identity Card can now update their details on the Higher Education Financing (HEF) portal without creating a new account.
In a notice issued on Monday, the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) clarified that applicants who initially registered using their KCSE index number should simply update their existing account with their National ID information once they receive the document.
The agency said there is no need to open another HEF account, warning that doing so could create duplicate records and delay the processing of loans, scholarships and bursaries.
How to update your National ID details
According to HELB, applicants should first log into the HEF account they created using their KCSE index number. Once signed in, a pop-up notification prompting them to update their identification details will appear automatically.
Students should enter their National ID number together with their first name exactly as it appears on the National Identity Card before selecting the “Validate” option.
After the information is successfully verified, the system will display a confirmation message indicating that the National ID has been updated. Applicants should then click the “Register” tab to complete the process.
HELB reiterated that applicants should only update their existing account rather than create a new one after obtaining a National ID card.
Why the update is important
Under the Higher Education Financing framework, keeping personal information up to date helps maintain accurate student records throughout the funding process.
Many students begin their HEF applications before they are eligible to receive a National ID card, making the update a necessary step once they obtain the document.
Linking a National ID to an existing HEF account also helps minimise verification challenges during the processing of financial aid and reduces the risk of duplicate registrations.
HELB has urged applicants to follow the official update procedure provided on the HEF portal and ensure that all personal details are correctly captured before proceeding with any funding applications.
HELB cautions against duplicate accounts
The latest advisory forms part of HELB’s ongoing efforts to guide applicants through the Higher Education Financing process and reduce common application errors that can slow down approvals.
The board reminded students who registered as minors that their existing HEF account remains valid and only requires an update with their National ID details once the document is issued.
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