How Your Car Can Help You Pay School Fees This January

It’s January 2026. Between the excitement of the first CBC cohort joining Grade 10 and the lingering effects of the December festivities, your wallet might be feeling a bit "thin." 

You have checked the booklist, the fare is ready, you already found the uniforms, but the final fee balance is still standing between your child and their seat in class. You need quick cash. 

You try the usual options, but the loan applications are slow, the paperwork is heavy, and not everyone qualifies. But what if the asset you already own, your car, could help you bridge the gap without selling it?

This is where a secured school fees loan comes in. In this article, we review the School Fees Loan from Jackfruit Associates Limited. Jackfruit Associates Limited is licensed and regulated by the Central Bank of Kenya (CBK).

What is the Jackfruit School Fees Loan?

Jackfruit is pioneering the concept of financing that is exclusively and specifically made for the education sector. The school fees loan is designed to help parents meet education costs when cash flow is constrained.

What makes this product different is the form of security used.

Instead of relying solely on payslips, CRB history, or long bank processes, parents can use their vehicle logbook as collateral. The car remains in the borrower’s possession and continues to be used, while the logbook secures the loan.

The goal is simple:

• Prevent school disruption
• Provide quick access to school fees
• Reduce lending risk through asset-backed financing

This structure allows Jackfruit Finance to serve parents who may be formally employed, self-employed, or earning irregular income.

How the Jackfruit School Fees Loan Works

The loan is secured against a percentage of the vehicle’s forced sale value, as determined by an independent valuer. This allows parents to access meaningful amounts in line with their needs and the value of their vehicle. 

Key features include:

• Loan amounts between Ksh100,000 and Ksh200,000
• Approval timelines of less than 24 hours
• Repayment periods ranging from 6 to 12 months
• The borrower continues using their vehicle throughout the loan term

Because the loan is asset-backed, the approval process focuses more on the value of the car and the borrower’s ability to repay, rather than rigid employment documentation.

Why the Jackfruit School Fees Loan Stands Out

Several features make this product attractive compared to other school fees or personal loans in the market:

1. Secured lending

Using a logbook as security reduces reliance on credit history alone. This can be helpful for parents who:

• Are locked out of unsecured loans 
• Are self-employed or in informal work
• Do not want to take multiple unsecured digital loans
• Are unable to bear the long wait times associated with unsecured loans

2. Fast approval

School reopening dates are fixed. Waiting weeks for a bank loan is often not an option. Jackfruit Finance offers approvals in under 24 hours, making it suitable for urgent school fees needs. 

3. Higher loan limits

With access to up to Ksh200,000, parents can cover:

• Tuition fees
• Boarding fees
• Registration or exam charges

This is significantly higher than many unsecured loans.

4. Flexible repayment period

Repayment is spread over 6 to 12 months, giving parents room to plan around salaries, business cash flows, or seasonal income. Parents can also negotiate their own repayment schedules depending on their income, protecting them from mandatory monthly payments imposed by banks.

5. Competitive interest rate

The indicative interest rate is 28% reducing annual, meaning that your repayable interest will be calculated yearly or monthly based on the remaining principal amount you owe, rather than the initial loan amount.  While parents should always assess the full cost of credit, asset-backed loans typically offer better pricing than unsecured emergency loans.

Why Take the Jackfruit School Fees Loan? 

• You keep children in school even when cash is not immediately available.
• You avoid embarrassment or strained relationships with schools due to delayed payments.
• You secure higher loan amounts than most personal or digital loans on the market.
• You secure financing with fewer documentation requirements compared to bank loans
• There is no need to sell productive assets like a car used for business or personal errands. You get the money you need while still driving the car.
• You enjoy predictable repayment timelines, making budgeting easier

Who Is Eligible for the Jackfruit School Fees Loan?

To qualify, parents must meet the following requirements:

• Own a vehicle and hold a logbook loan. If the age of your vehicle is under 10 years, you unlock 80% financing; between 10 and 15 years, your financing will be 70% of your vehicle’s value; and for those older than 15 years, you unlock 60% of the vehicle’s value.
• Provide proof of income or a steady source of funds.
• Child registered with the Ministry of Education
• Have a valid admission letter from the school
• Have a good CRB (Credit Reference Bureau) record

Jackfruit Finance also assesses the borrower’s ability to repay to avoid over-lending and eligible borrowers can apply for between Ksh100,000 and Ksh200,000, with the final amount determined by the car’s valuation.

Note that an upfront processing fee of 5% is applied during the application process.

When Does This Loan Make Sense?

A logbook-secured school fees loan makes sense if:

1. You have a reliable income, whether salaried or irregular
2. You understand the full cost of the loan, including interest and fees
3. You want to preserve your cash or capital for business or household needs
4. You prefer not to sell assets to raise school fees
5. You are using the loan as a short-term solution, not a long-term habit.

Is the Jackfruit School Fees Loan Worth Considering?

Jackfruit Finance offers a structured and regulated option for parents who need quick access to school fees without disposing of assets. The higher loan limit, relatively fast approval time, and CBK regulation provide reassurance compared to unregulated lenders.

If you are a car owner facing January school fees pressure and need fast, structured financing, the Jackfruit School Fees Loan may be worth exploring. Start your application here, and a relationship officer will contact you to guide you through the next steps.