Ministry of Education Launches Fully Funded Scholarships for Select Grade 10 Students in Kenya

In a decisive move to promote equitable access to quality education, Kenya’s Ministry of Education has announced a new scholarship program offering fully funded secondary school scholarships for selected Grade 10 students.

In a statement dated Tuesday, December 2, 2025, the Ministry stated that the scholarships will be awarded across all 47 counties to needy and vulnerable learners who took their assessments in public junior schools and camp-based refugee learners.

“The Ministry of Education, through The Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF), is awarding Elimu Scholarships in all 47 counties to needy and vulnerable learners who will be joining senior school in 2026,” read part of the notice.

This initiative reflects the government’s commitment to inclusivity and nurturing future leaders from all segments of society.

The scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, and other related costs, lifting the financial burden for students who excel academically but come from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Selection is merit-based, focusing on academic performance, leadership potential, and socio-economic need.

The Ministry also announced that refugee learners residing in Kakuma, Kalobeyei, and Dadaab refugee camps, who are attending UNHCR-supported schools within the camps or nearby public junior schools, are eligible to apply.

For refugee learners, boys should have attained meeting to exceeding expectation (Achievement levels 5-8), while girls who reached “Approaching Expectation” (Level 4) and above will qualify.

The Ministry works hand in hand with county officials and schools to ensure the most deserving students benefit from this support.

This program aligns with broader scholarship schemes available within Kenya and internationally, targeting different levels of education from secondary school through to university degrees and postgraduate studies.

Various entities including government bodies, NGOs like the Kenya Education Fund, and international partners contribute to expanding education opportunities for Kenyan youth.

Requirements for Application

Additionally, applicants must meet specific eligibility criteria, including being from poor and vulnerable backgrounds, such as:

(i)Orphans.

(ii) Learners from urban informal settlements.

(iii) Learners whose parents or guardians have disabilities affecting their ability to provide financially.

(iv) Learners from families affected by HIV/AIDS and other chronic illnesses that render parents destitute.

(v) Learners from families affected by extreme poverty that prevent their education.

(vi) Learners who have suffered neglect or abuse with no support to continue their studies, and learners with special needs and disabilities.

Access to secondary education remains critical as it sets the foundation for higher learning and career pathways.

Yet, affordability is a major challenge for many families despite government subsidies on school fees.

Programs like these scholarships address this gap directly, aiming to reduce dropout rates and encourage retention, especially among vulnerable communities.

Students interested in applying should stay informed through official Ministry of Education channels and partner schools.

How to Apply

Interested applicants are advised to collect scholarship application forms from the nearest Sub-County Education office.

Forms for refugee learners can be obtained from the Camp Manager’s office or the UNHCR offices in Kakuma and Dadaab.

The forms can also be downloaded from the Ministry of Education’s website at www.education.go.ke or from the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation’s website at www.jkf.co.ke.

Applications for both refugee and non-refugee learners can also be submitted online at https://scholarship.jkf.co.ke.

Completed application forms, along with supporting documents, should be submitted either online or to the nearest Sub-County Education Office by December 23, 2025, at 5:00 pm For refugee learners, submissions can be made to the office of the Sub-County Director of Education or the Camp Manager in Kakuma and Dadaab refugee camps.

Furthermore, the Ministry announced that shortlisted candidates, accompanied by their parents or guardians, will be invited for interviews conducted by the Community Selection Advisory Committees (CSACs).

Only candidates who meet the stated criteria will be considered for the scholarship. The scholarship will cover school fees, transportation to and from school, a school kit, and pocket money for the three-year education period.

Beneficiaries will also receive mentorship and psychosocial support throughout their studies. The government urges the public to share this scholarship information widely to reach as many potential beneficiaries as possible.

For any questions or concerns about the application process, the public is advised to contact JKF’s toll-free line at 0800724695 or 0723286993, 0723969793, 0735339135, or via email at elimu@jkf.co.ke or elimu@education.go.ke.e, or elimu@education.go.ke.

One can access full details about the Elimu Scholarships here.

By investing in talented young minds today, Kenya fosters a more skilled, knowledgeable workforce for tomorrow, advancing its socio-economic development goals and global competitiveness.

Through such initiatives, the Ministry of Education not only expands learning opportunities but also strengthens the country’s vision of inclusive education for all Kenyans.

This scholarship program exemplifies how targeted support can produce lasting impact on individuals and society alike.