Safaricom deal with HELB to simplify disbursement of students’ loans

By Victor MUJIDU

Mobile operator Safaricom (NSE: SCOM) and the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) Thursday have partnered to launch the HELB Mobile Wallet and HELB M-PESA Mini App – a move that will see learners receive student loans direct to their M-PESA accounts.

Similarly, the two entities announced the launch of HELB M-PESA Mini App where all HELB beneficiaries can manage their accounts.

“Through this partnership, we will build and deliver mobile and digital solutions that will further empower all beneficiaries with more convenience by enabling them to easily access and manage HELB funds and services on their mobile phone,” said Peter Ndegwa, CEO – Safaricom.

The HELB Mini App will empower beneficiaries to access their HELB upkeep, withdraw funds, repay loans, apply for subsequent loans, view their loan status and access their statements all from an Android and iPhone app.

“All HELB beneficiaries can now access all our services through the HELB Mini App or by dialing *642# where they can apply for subsequent loans, access their HELB upkeep funds, withdraw funds, view their loan status, access their statements, and repay loans, all from feature phones, an Android and iPhone app,” said Charles Ringera, the Chief executive of HELB.

Meanwhile, the operator on Wednesday, launched myCounty, a platform that enables all 47 counties to digitize all their services in one place providing a single, citizen access channel.

The platform will include payment for county services, revenue management systems, a citizen reporting and engagement tool, and solutions around agriculture, health, utility bills, and SME programs.

Makueni becomes the first county to integrate with myCounty with plans to gradually include all 47 counties in the coming months.

myCounty will be accessible through a USSD short code, Android and iPhone App for all counties, and a mini-app on the M-PESA Super App which will offer county services and payments including parking fees, single business permit fees, market cess, land rates, property rates amongst others.

Additionally, Makueni County will launch a citizen engagement channel and an online radio channel as part of its services.

The service seeks to ease access and payment of county services for the public, saving them from having to visit county offices for manual payments. Counties will benefit from more convenient – 24/7 access to their services, increased revenue collection, and better visibility of revenue collection and performance.