Kericho: At least 138 learners from vulnerable backgrounds in Kericho County are set to transition to senior school under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) after being awarded the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF) Elimu Scholarship, a national education support programme implemented across all 47 counties. Speaking at the event held at Highland Primary School, which brought together education officials, representatives from the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, school heads, parents, and students, Kericho East Deputy County Commissioner Dr. Kibe Maguta emphasized the need for scholarship beneficiaries to uphold high standards of discipline, integrity, and personal accountability.
According to Kenya News Agency, Dr. Maguta, who represented Kericho County Commissioner Jeremiah Mwai Gicheru, highlighted the importance of the scholarship, urging recipients to not take the opportunity lightly and warning that support could be withdrawn in cases of indiscipline. He reminded the learners that they would be joining schools both within and outside the county and encouraged them to act as ambassadors of Kericho by demonstrating leadership, integrity, and respect for authority.
Dr. Maguta also addressed the broader education journey under CBC, noting that senior school offers learners flexibility through pathways in STEM, social sciences, and arts and sports. He encouraged students to make informed subject choices while remaining open to adjustments as guided by education officers.
Following the DCC’s remarks, Kericho County Director of Education Julius Ngoneshi stated that the Elimu Scholarship Programme is sponsored by the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Education. It is designed to cushion vulnerable learners from dropping out at a critical transition point. ‘Out of 1,839 applications received across the county, Kericho was allocated 138 slots. This demonstrates both the high demand and the limited capacity of the programme,’ said Ngoneshi.
Ngoneshi commended the Community Selection Advisory Committees (CSACs) for conducting a rigorous, transparent, and community-driven selection process that included interviews and home verification visits. In an interview with KNA, he explained that the scholarship supports learners throughout senior school education, especially those from extremely vulnerable households.
The scholarship applies strictly to boarding schools and covers school fees, personal effects, transport to and from school, and pocket money. The amount allocated depends on the school where the learner is admitted. Priority is given to orphaned learners, those whose parents are living with disabilities, and children who have been neglected, aligning with equity and social protection principles under CBC.
Ngoneshi emphasized that parental involvement remains critical in ensuring that beneficiaries remain focused and do not lose the opportunity due to indiscipline or poor academic commitment. The beneficiaries were drawn from all sub-counties, with Kericho East leading with 35 students, followed by Bureti (26), Londiani (21), Soin/Sigowet (19), Kipkelion (19), and Belgut (18).
One of the beneficiaries, Brenda Chepkoech, a former pupil at Township Junior School who scored 61 points in the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment (KJSEA), described the scholarship as life-changing. ‘I learnt about the Elimu Scholarship from friends. My father collected the form from the Ministry of Education offices, and after the interviews and home visit, we received the good news,’ she said, adding, ‘I promise to work hard and make good use of this opportunity.’
Established in 1966, the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation has for decades played a pivotal role in advancing education in Kenya, particularly through scholarships targeting bright learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. The Elimu Scholarship aligns closely with CBC objectives by supporting continuity into senior school and nurturing responsible, self-driven learners.
Education officials noted that as CBC transitions learners into senior school nationwide, targeted scholarship interventions remain critical in ensuring that financial hardship does not undermine access, retention, and completion of education. As the new cohort prepares to report to their respective schools, stakeholders called for sustained collaboration among families, schools, education officers, and community leaders to safeguard the gains made through the programme and uphold education as a cornerstone of national development.
