Laikipia: The recently concluded vetting and awarding of Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF) Elimu Scholarship in Laikipia County was carried out fairly and in consideration of gender balance. Laikipia West Sub-County JKF Representative, Consolata Wairimu, noted that the rigorous process of vetting the applicants, which took one week to conclude, benefitted 57 children from Laikipia County.
According to Kenya News Agency, Wairimu pointed out that the shortlisted beneficiaries were deserving cases, noting that in Laikipia West, they received 151 applications but only 41 were shortlisted, out of whom 10 benefited. She further said that they considered gender balance, where five girls and five boys from very needy backgrounds were selected.
The JKF representative stated that the foundation targeted children who did Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) and scored between meeting and exceeding expectations (level 5 to 8). They focused on those from needy backgrounds, especially orphans and children from single-parent families. For those with special needs, their KJSEA performance did not matter.
Wairimu urged parents with such cases to remain in touch with their local chiefs for guidance on when and how to apply. She also advised them to visit the JKF website for more information or contact nearby Ministry of Education offices. She noted that the scholarship, which falls under the Ministry of Education and is run by JKF, covers 100 percent of school fees, accommodation (where applicable), books, uniforms, travel, and a monthly stipend for the entire secondary school period.
She confirmed that many of the beneficiaries have successfully secured admission to various county and national schools. The Elimu Scholarship Programme is a Kenyan government initiative, primarily funded by the Ministry of Education with support from the World Bank, to offer comprehensive secondary school scholarships to needy and vulnerable learners across the 47 counties and refugee camps, who meet specific academic and vulnerability criteria.
The scholarship aims to ensure 100 percent transition to secondary school for academically promising students from poor backgrounds who would otherwise be unable to afford education.
