KCB Foundation has awarded 1,000 full scholarships to academically gifted and financially vulnerable students set to join Kenya Senior Schools across the country, reinforcing its role as one of the country’s largest private sector supporters of education access and talent development.
The scholarships, awarded under the Foundation’s flagship education programme, will see the beneficiaries report to their respective schools next week. The programme will cover the full cost of secondary education and extend support through to university studies, ensuring continuity in learning for students from disadvantaged backgrounds.
To support the 2026 cohort, the social investment arm of KCB Group PLC has committed Sh600 million, which will be used to finance school fees, stipends, uniforms, learning materials, talent development initiatives and other basic requirements throughout the learners’ academic journey.
The latest intake underscores KCB Foundation’s long-standing focus on education as a driver of social mobility and economic inclusion, particularly at a time when many households continue to face financial pressure amid rising living costs.
Targeting vulnerability and inclusion
Of the 1,000 scholarships awarded, 120 slots were reserved for learners drawn from niche and vulnerable groups, including teen mothers, persons living with disabilities, and students affected by harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation.
By ring-fencing opportunities for these groups, the Foundation aims to address systemic barriers that often lock out capable learners from accessing quality education, despite strong academic potential.
Education stakeholders have increasingly highlighted the risk of school dropouts among vulnerable populations, particularly girls, due to socio-cultural pressures and economic hardship. KCB Foundation’s targeted approach seeks to counter these challenges by combining financial support with mentorship and psychosocial guidance.
Expanding support for student-athletes
In a further expansion of its holistic education model, KCB Foundation has admitted 75 new student-athletes into its sports scholarship programme, bringing the total number of student-athletes supported since 2024 to 125.
The initiative integrates academic excellence with structured talent development, recognising sports as a pathway to opportunity and personal growth. Student-athletes under the programme receive tailored support to balance training commitments with academic performance.
The expanded intake reflects a growing recognition of the role of co-curricular activities in shaping well-rounded learners, in line with Kenya’s evolving education framework.
Official flag-off and transition to senior school
The 2026 cohort was officially flagged off at a ceremony held in Nairobi, marking a key milestone for students transitioning into senior secondary school. The scholars are expected to report to their respective institutions in the coming week.
The event brought together Foundation officials, education partners, parents and students, offering an opportunity to outline expectations and reinforce the values underpinning the scholarship programme.
KCB Group Director for Marketing and Communications Rosalind Gichuru said the initiative aligns closely with the Group’s broader mission of transforming lives through sustainable social investment.
“At the core of our business as KCB Group is transforming lives and nurturing talent across the country,” Ms Gichuru said. “The holistic approach for the scholars’ programme ensures that we are changing the education landscape for the better.”
Aligning with Competency-Based Education
As Kenya continues its transition to the Competency-Based Education curriculum, KCB Foundation has aligned its scholarship model to support creativity, critical thinking and holistic development, moving beyond traditional measures of academic success.
The revised approach places emphasis on life skills, leadership development, mentorship and exposure to diverse career pathways, preparing learners for a dynamic and increasingly skills-driven economy.
Foundation Director Mendi Njonjo said the programme’s evolution reflects changing education needs and the importance of nurturing talent in a broad and inclusive manner.
“We are expanding the scholarship programme to reach more deserving learners across the country,” Ms Njonjo said. “By supporting holistic growth, we are ensuring scholars are equipped not just to pass exams, but to thrive in life and contribute meaningfully to society.”
Long-term investment in education
Since expanding its scholarship programme to include tertiary education in 2021, KCB Foundation has supported more than 950 students across universities and colleges nationwide. This extension was designed to reduce the risk of scholars dropping out after secondary school due to lack of financing.
Overall, since its establishment in 2007, the Foundation has impacted more than 7,000 learners across Kenya, making it one of the most sustained private sector education initiatives in the country.
The Foundation’s education pillar sits alongside other social investment areas, including enterprise development, environmental conservation and health, all aimed at driving inclusive economic growth.
Broader implications for the education sector
KCB Foundation’s continued investment comes at a critical time for Kenya’s education sector, which is undergoing structural changes under the Competency-Based Education system. The shift has increased demand for resources, teacher training and student support mechanisms, particularly in public schools.
Private sector participation, through scholarships and partnerships, is increasingly viewed as a key complement to government efforts to expand access and improve education quality.
By committing long-term funding that spans secondary and university education, the Foundation reduces uncertainty for beneficiaries and allows students to focus on learning and personal development without the constant pressure of school fees.
Looking ahead
With the 2026 cohort set to begin their senior school journey, KCB Foundation has signalled that education will remain a cornerstone of its social investment strategy. The focus on inclusion, talent development and holistic learning positions the programme to respond to Kenya’s evolving education and labour market needs.
As competition for education opportunities intensifies and inequality remains a concern, initiatives such as this are likely to play an increasingly important role in shaping outcomes for high-performing but financially constrained learners across the country.
