Lawyers have topped the list of defaulters in the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) repayment records, even as teachers emerged as the most compliant group under the student loan regime.

According to the latest figures from HELB, beneficiaries owe the Board at least KSh42 billion, money that was advanced to support higher education studies.

Data shows that 21,356 lawyers are yet to clear their student loans, followed closely by 19,508 accountants, 16,855 doctors, and 12,014 engineers.

In contrast, teachers employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) have emerged as the strongest repayment group, with 79,000 of them remitting their dues through the payroll check-off system.

“Teachers have been exemplary in honoring their obligations. The payroll system has ensured consistency and discipline in loan repayment,” said HELB Chief Executive Officer, Geoffrey Monari.

Monari noted that while some professionals have been prompt in clearing their debts, others have failed to meet their obligations despite being in well paying sectors.

“We urge all beneficiaries to take personal responsibility. These funds are meant to revolve so that future generations can also access education,” he added.

HELB has in recent months intensified its recovery efforts, including partnerships with employers and the Kenya Revenue Authority (KRA), to trace and recover overdue payments.

Analysts say the high default rates among professionals such as lawyers, doctors and accountants raise questions about financial discipline and the effectiveness of voluntary repayment systems.

“It’s ironic that some of the highest earners are among the biggest defaulters,” said an accountant and entrepreneur Caren Chepkirui (bosslady).

The Board maintains that timely repayment is key to sustaining the loan fund, which supports thousands of students from poor backgrounds to access tertiary education.