The KCB Foundation has welcomed 300 new scholars into its Annual University Scholarship Programme, marking a transformative milestone in its commitment to equitable education. 

These students—the fourth cohort since the programme’s launch in 2021—join 588 existing scholars pursuing degrees and vocational training across Kenya.

Designed to break barriers, the initiative reserves 10 percent of slots for students with disabilities and 50 percent for girls, prioritizing those impacted by financial hardship, orphanhood, harmful practices like FGM, teenage motherhood, or high-poverty regions. 

With a KES100 million investment, KCB ensures full tuition coverage and ongoing mentorship, empowering scholars to focus on their studies without financial or psychosocial burdens. This isn’t just funding; it’s a lifeline for Kenya’s future leaders.

Basic Education Principal Secretary, Julius Bitok noted: “We have made significant strides through initiatives such as the 100 percent Transition Policy from primary to secondary school, the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), which emphasizes skills development and holistic learning, and the continued support of the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). However, there is still room for public-private partnerships to bridge existing gaps and expand opportunities for all Kenyans, as we seek to drive our economy through a skilled workforce.”

KCB Group CEO, Paul Russo said: “We intentionally seek out vulnerable and marginalized learners at risk of dropping out of school completely for our programme. Each of the students who join the KCB Scholars programme will secure an opportunity to make a change in society.

“Our commitment stems from our strong belief that it is every child’s right to access quality education given the crucial role it plays in shaping the societal economic prospects. By prioritizing education as a strategy for economic emancipation, KCB is helping to address societal challenges such as poverty, unemployment, and marginalization of underprivileged groups,” added Russo.

The university scholarship is inclusive of the annual mentorship to nurture the students on how to unlock opportunities within their areas of study and professional development.