The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has cautioned university and technical and vocational education and training (TVET) students against changing their registered mobile money numbers without updating their records, warning that this could delay or disrupt the disbursement of upkeep funds and other loan payments.
In an advisory issued on October 15, 2026, the board urged beneficiaries to keep their registered payment details consistent so that funds reach the intended recipients without unnecessary delays.
"One number. No confusion. Keep the same mobile money number registered with HELB throughout your studies to avoid delayed or failed disbursements," the board said.
The warning comes as thousands of students depend on government-backed higher education financing to meet accommodation, food, transport, learning materials and other daily needs.
Accurate details key to timely payments
Students who change telephone lines for security, personal or network-related reasons should update their payment details through official channels. Failure to reconcile the new details with HELB's records could result in failed transactions or delayed payments. A delay can leave a student struggling to pay rent, buy food or meet transport costs, which may affect attendance, concentration and academic progress.
Students should also not assume that changing a telephone number with a mobile network operator automatically updates the details held by HELB. They should confirm that the board's records reflect the correct information before expecting further payments.
Incorrect details linked to returned funds
HELB has previously faced cases in which funds could not be transferred to beneficiaries because of incorrect or inconsistent payment information. Chief Executive Officer Ekwee Ethuro has reportedly said that up to 40 per cent of returned funds are associated with students providing incorrect or updated account details. Students are encouraged to verify their registered mobile money details and seek guidance from HELB whenever a change becomes necessary.
Wider funding challenges
The advisory comes amid wider concerns over the financing of university and TVET education, including reported challenges affecting more than 140,000 students through loan allocation difficulties and funding constraints. Some first-year students have also reportedly faced delays linked to late issuance of National Identity Cards and discrepancies between examination index numbers and identification details entered on the Higher Education Financing portal. Such complications can slow the processing of applications and the release of funds, particularly for students awaiting their first disbursements.
Keeping mobile money details accurate can prevent avoidable transaction failures, but it does not resolve broader problems with loan allocation, funding availability or other administrative delays. Students may meet every payment requirement and still experience delays beyond their control.
What students should do
Students should keep the mobile money number registered with HELB where possible and use the board's official channels to find the correct procedure when a change is unavoidable. They should also ensure that their identification details and other application information are accurate, keep payment notifications and follow up through official HELB support channels if an expected disbursement fails.
Timely communication from institutions of higher learning about funding procedures can also help students understand their obligations and reduce confusion during payment periods.
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