KCB Scholarships for Needy Students in Kenya
The KCB Foundation improves access and the quality of education for needy students through the provision of scholarships, learning materials, and improved public-school infrastructure. The program aims to increase access to education for the underprivileged, boost transition rates between primary and secondary school, and increase the employability rate of beneficiaries upon clearing their studies.
The Education Opportunity Gap in Kenya
Across Kenya and the region, thousands of bright and ambitious students are forced to abandon their educational journeys due to financial hardship. Despite high potential and strong academic performance, many are locked out of opportunities to advance their education beyond primary school. This gap disproportionately affects students from underserved and marginalized communities, thus deepening cycles of poverty and social exclusion.
While government scholarships and bursaries exist, they are not always sufficient or consistent. The lack of wraparound support, such as mentorship, psychosocial support, and transition-to-employment guidance, further limits these students’ ability to succeed long-term. Without intervention, a generation of talent risks being lost.
How KCB is Driving Change in Education
The KCB scholarship program supports bright but financially disadvantaged students across Kenya through full secondary school sponsorship, mentorship, psychosocial support, and career guidance. The program works with partners, including school administrators and local communities, to identify scholars with the highest need and greatest promise.
Secondary and Tertiary Education Support
The core scholarship program includes several comprehensive support structures for students:
- Full scholarships for secondary education, covering school fees, books, and uniforms
- Tertiary education support for exceptional candidates
- Mentorship and life skills training
- Psychosocial support to enhance well-being and academic resilience
- Safeguarding training
- Transition-to-employment pathways, including internships and apprenticeships
KCB Student Athletics Program
In 2024, KCB took a bold step further in its commitment to youth empowerment by piloting a student athletics program under the annual KCB Scholars initiative. Through this effort, the foundation offers full scholarships to talented young athletes, specifically those from economically disadvantaged backgrounds, to nurture their potential and transform them into world-class champions.
The program currently has 50 gifted students who are on a fully paid four-year secondary school journey. This is aligned with the CBC curriculum while students receive expert athletics coaching at top centers of excellence across the country.
Supporting People Living with Disabilities
KCB Foundation has collaborated with the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE) to design and execute proper management and mentorship of 451 scholarships for People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs).
The Foundation is currently sponsoring 50 bright but needy 2021 KCPE candidates who were enrolled into the M-PESA Foundation Academy in the year 2022. In total, the Foundation has sponsored 150 students in the M-Pesa Academy since 2018.
To ensure equitable access, the programme reserves 10% of the opportunities for persons with disabilities and ensures that 50% of the slots are allocated to girls. This is in accordance with the Vision 2030 requirement for inclusion in access to education.
Green Initiative and Sustainable Communities
Through the Green Initiative, KCB Foundation supports community resilience through tree planting, water harvesting, and environmental awareness. The foundation works with schools, government institutions, and youth groups to increase green cover, reduce carbon emissions, and promote climate action. Over 1 million trees have been planted and more than 70 schools have been supported with water tanks and WASH infrastructure.
KCB Scholars Program Impact
The KCB scholarship initiative has recorded significant milestones since its inception. The program reserves 10% of its opportunities for persons with disabilities and ensures 50% of the slots are allocated to girls.
- 5,746 secondary scholarships awarded
- 631 tertiary scholarships granted
- 99% secondary school completion rate
- 84% university transition rate
- 537 secondary schools engaged
- 739 students from 9 niche categories supported, including teen mothers, orphans, and students with disabilities
KCB Scholarship Eligibility Criteria
To qualify for a KCB Scholarship, applicants must meet the following requirements:
- The applicant must come from a needy home
- The applicant must attain the prescribed county cut-off marks in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination
- The applicant must have a calling letter to a national or county/ex-county secondary school
How to Apply for the KCB Scholarship
Application Process Steps
- Applicants collect application forms at any KCB Branch countrywide. The forms are available in the branches starting December 1st
- Applicants submit their applications in a county interview and selection process
- The interviews are conducted by KCB staff teams
- Applicants with disabilities are recruited through the county social development offices and integrated or special primary schools
- Home visits are conducted to verify the needy status of the shortlisted candidates
- Selected candidates are assigned to individual mentors and begin school
KCB Scholarship Package Details
Equitable distribution across the counties and gender balance is sought to ensure both boys and girls benefit from the programme. The KCB Scholarship package entails:
- Payment of school fees for the 4 years of secondary school
- Support for personal effects, learning materials, and assistive devices for students with disabilities
- Quarterly one-on-one mentorship sessions with KCB branch staff and an annual holiday mentorship programme
More Details: KCB Scholarships 2026
