The Ministry of Education (MoE) has officially announced the opening of applications for the 2026 Elimu Scholarship Programme, offering life-changing opportunities to thousands of needy and vulnerable learners across Kenya. The programme aims to ensure smooth transition from junior school to senior school for learners who would otherwise struggle due to financial constraints.
Implemented through the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF), the scholarship targets learners joining senior school in January 2026, with special provisions for children living with disabilities and refugee learners in Kakuma, Kalobeyei and Dadaab.
What Is the Elimu Scholarship Programme?
The Elimu Scholarship Programme is a national government initiative designed to support academically promising but economically disadvantaged learners. The scholarship covers school fees, transport to and from school, essential school shopping (school kit) and pocket money throughout the three-year senior school period. Beneficiaries also receive mentorship and psychosocial support, helping them navigate academic and personal challenges.
Who Is Eligible to Apply?
To qualify for the 2026 scholarship, applicants must meet academic, school-based, and vulnerability criteria.
- Academic Requirements
Applicants must:
- Have sat the 2025 Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) in a public junior school.
- Have achieved Levels 5 to 8 (Meeting Expectation to Exceeding Expectation).
- Inclusivity and Special Considerations
- The Ministry has expanded affirmative action to include:
- Learners with disabilities – automatically eligible regardless of their performance level.
- Refugee learners in Kakuma, Kalobeyei, and Dadaab:
- Refugee boys: Levels 5–8
- Refugee girls: Level 4 (Approaching Expectation) and above
Applications are only accepted from learners who attended:
- Public junior schools in any of the 47 counties
- The 42 camp-based refugee junior schools
- Refugee learners attending public schools near the camps
Priority Categories of Vulnerable Learners
The scholarship focuses on children facing significant socioeconomic challenges, including:
- Orphans
- Children from urban informal settlements
- Learners from households affected by disability
- Families impacted by HIV/AIDS or chronic illnesses
- Learners living with disability
- Children affected by extreme poverty, neglect, or abuse
These criteria ensure the programme reaches the most deserving learners across the country.
How to Apply for the 2026 Elimu Scholarship
Applicants can obtain the scholarship forms through several channels:
Where to Collect Application Forms
- Nearest Sub-County Education Office (for all applicants)
- Camp Manager or UNHCR offices in Kakuma and Dadaab (for refugee learners)
Download from:
Ministry of Education website — education.go.ke
Jomo Kenyatta Foundation website — jkf.co.ke
Online Application
Applications for both refugee and non-refugee learners may also be submitted online at:
https://scholarship.jkf.co.ke
Submission Deadline
All completed forms must be submitted on or before December 23, 2025, at 5:00 pm.
Refugee learners may return their forms through the Sub-County Director of Education or the Camp Manager’s office.
Selection and Interviews
After the application window closes, shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews alongside their parent or guardian. Interviews will be conducted by Community Selection Advisory Committees (CSACs) to verify need and suitability.
Only applicants meeting the full criteria will be considered for the scholarship.
What the Scholarship Covers
The 2026 Elimu Scholarship covers:
- Full school fees
- Transport to and from school
- School kit (shopping)
- Pocket money
- Mentorship programmes
- Psychosocial support
This holistic support ensures learners can focus on their studies without financial stress.
Need Help? Contact JKF or the Ministry of Education
For any questions or concerns regarding the application process, applicants may contact:
Toll-Free Line: 0800 724 695
Phone: 0723 286 993 | 0723 969 793 | 0735 339 135
Email: elimu@jkf.co.ke | elimu@education.go.ke
Final Thoughts
The Elimu Scholarship Programme continues to be one of Kenya’s most impactful education interventions. By supporting bright but vulnerable learners, the Ministry of Education is investing in the country’s future — one student at a time.
If you know a deserving learner, make sure they apply before the deadline.
