The Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) has made it easier for Kenyan civil servants to pursue higher education without financial strain. Through the Civil Servants Training Revolving Fund (CSTRF), employees in government institutions including the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), National Police Service (NPS), county governments, and ministries can now access affordable loans to further their studies.
This initiative aligns with the government’s goal of strengthening professionalism, capacity building, and service delivery within the public sector.
What Is the Civil Servants Training Revolving Fund (CSTRF)?
The CSTRF is a special loan facility created by HELB in partnership with the National Treasury and the Ministry of Public Service. It provides financial assistance to civil servants pursuing higher education locally or abroad.
Unlike the regular HELB loan, the CSTRF is tailored for employed government staff, offering low-interest rates and flexible repayment terms deducted directly from their payroll.
Who Qualifies for the Loan
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be Kenyan citizens working in the public sector (national or county government, TSC, or a parastatal).
- Have a valid and confirmed employment letter.
- Present an admission letter from a recognized higher learning institution.
- Get approval from their employer’s HR or training department to ensure alignment with organizational goals.
What the Loan Covers
The loan caters to:
- Tuition and exam fees
- Research and thesis expenses
- Books and study materials
- Accommodation and living costs (where applicable)
- Travel expenses for overseas studies
How to Apply
- Visit www.helb.co.ke and go to the CSTRF section.
- Create or log in to your HELB portal account.
- Complete the application form and upload the required documents:
- National ID
- Recent payslips (3 months)
- Admission letter
- Employer’s approval letter
- Training bond (if applicable)
- Submit your application online and retain a printed copy.
HELB will review your application and notify successful applicants via email or SMS.
Loan Repayment
Repayments are conveniently deducted from the borrower’s salary every month. With its low, subsidized interest rate, the CSTRF ensures affordability while maintaining the fund’s sustainability for future applicants.
