Ministry awards 9,000 students with Elimu Scholarship

The Ministry of Education has begun a nationwide selection to award 9,000 needy students with scholarships.

The Elimu Scholarship programme is a joint initiative between the government and the Global Partnership for Education under the Kenya Primary Education Equity in Learning (KPEEL) project.

The project launched in 2019 targets students from across the 47 counties, including those living in marginalized urban settlements.

The Elimu Scholarship runs through Equity Group Foundation and draws applicants from poor, vulnerable, and financially constrained backgrounds who score 280 marks and above in KCPE exams.

This year being the last cohort of candidates sitting the KCPE examination it remains unclear what will become of the project that supports learners to go through secondary education.

Project Coordination and Delivery Director Elijah Mungai emphasized the program’s focus on bright, needy, and vulnerable learners.

He was speaking in Mavoko Subcounty Headquarters in Machakos county, where interviews for shortlisted candidates were underway.

“This scholarship is about ensuring that no child is left behind,” Mungai said adding that the initiative is aimed that giving deserving students the opportunity to continue their education.

He assured that the selection process will be meticulous, with community leaders and local administrators playing a crucial role in identifying deserving candidates.

Area Senior Assistant County Commissioner Micah Ondoro assured residents that only the most deserving students will receive scholarships.

The Elimu programme is a cornerstone of the government’s efforts to bridge the educational gap between different socio-economic groups.

Since its inception five years ago, it has awarded scholarships to over 55,000 students, significantly boosting secondary school transition and completion rates among children from impoverished families.

The scholarship offers a ray of hope for students like 14-year-old Amina Mohammed, who scored top marks in her KCPE exams but worried about completing secondary education.