138 learners from vulnerable backgrounds in Kericho County are set to transition to senior school after being awarded the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF) Elimu Scholarship, a support programme implemented across all 47 counties.
Kericho East Deputy County Commissioner Dr. Kibe Maguta urged the beneficiaries to uphold high standards of discipline, integrity and personal responsibility, warning that the opportunity should not be taken for granted.
“This scholarship is a rare opportunity and must not be taken lightly. The Foundation will not hesitate to withdraw support from beneficiaries who engage in indiscipline,” said Dr. Maguta, who was representing Kericho County Commissioner Jeremiah Mwai Gicheru.
Speaking during the award ceremony, he reminded the learners that they would be joining schools within and outside Kericho County and called on them to act as ambassadors of the county by demonstrating leadership, integrity and respect for authority.
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“You are carrying not just your personal dreams, but the hopes of your families and the confidence of the government and the Foundation,” he added.
The event, held at Highland Primary School, brought together education officials, representatives from the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, school heads, parents and students.
Dr. Maguta noted that senior school under CBC offers learners flexibility through pathways in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM), social sciences, arts and sports, and encouraged students to make informed subject choices while remaining open to guidance from education officers.
Kericho County Director of Education Julius Ngoneshi said the Elimu Scholarship Programme is sponsored by the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation in partnership with the Ministry of Education and is aimed at cushioning vulnerable learners from dropping out at a critical transition stage.
“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.
He commended Community Selection Advisory Committees (CSACs) for conducting a rigorous, transparent and community-driven selection process that involved interviews and home verification visits.
Ngoneshi said the scholarship supports beneficiaries throughout their senior school education, particularly those from extremely vulnerable households.
Ngoneshi added that priority is given to orphaned learners, children whose parents are living with disabilities and those who have been neglected, noting that the programme is guided by equity and social protection principles under CBC.
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).
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Since 1966, the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation has played a key role in advancing education in Kenya by supporting bright learners from disadvantaged backgrounds. Education officials noted that as CBC transitions learners into senior school nationwide, targeted scholarship interventions such as the Elimu Scholarship remain critical in ensuring access, retention and completion of education.
By Kimutai Langat
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