Apply for the Elimu Scholarship (government senior school scholarship for needy learners)
Ministry of Education through the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation · sources read 1 Oct 2026
When the Ministry of Education announces the call, get the form from your Sub-County Education Office (or apply online at scholarship.jkf.co.ke) and submit it with supporting documents before the deadline. It is for needy learners joining senior school, and covers school fees, transport, a school kit and pocket money for three years.
- Fee
- We couldn't confirm a fee from the official page. Check it there before you pay.
- Where
- Online at scholarship.jkf.co.ke, or on paper at your nearest Sub-County Education Office (refugee learners: Sub-County Director of Education or the Camp Manager in Kakuma and Dadaab)
What you need
- The completed Elimu Scholarship application form, with its supporting documents
Steps
- Get the application form from your nearest Sub-County Education Office, or download it from education.go.ke or jkf.co.ke. Refugee learners can also get it from the Camp Manager or UNHCR offices.
- Or apply online at scholarship.jkf.co.ke.
- Submit the completed form and supporting documents online or at the Sub-County Education Office before the deadline in the announcement.
- If you are shortlisted, attend an interview with your parent or guardian. It is run by the Community Selection Advisory Committee.
Watch out
- The call for learners joining senior school in 2026 closed on 23 December 2025. Watch education.go.ke for the next call and apply before its deadline.
- It covers school fees, transport to and from school, a school kit and pocket money for the three years of senior school, plus mentorship.
- Only learners who meet the stated criteria are considered, so check the achievement level and background rules before applying.
Who can apply
- Needy and vulnerable learners from all 47 counties who are joining senior school (Grade 10)
- You must have sat KJSEA in a public junior school (or be an eligible refugee learner).
- You need KJSEA Achievement Level 5 to 8 ("Meeting" to "Exceeding Expectation").
- Learners with special needs and disabilities are considered at any achievement level.
- From a poor or vulnerable background, for example: orphans, learners from urban informal settlements, families in extreme poverty, or learners with special needs and disabilities
- Refugee learners in Kakuma, Kalobeyei and Dadaab camps (in camp schools or nearby public junior schools) can also apply.
Official sources (2)
- Announcement for the Elimu Scholarship Programme – 2026 education.go.ke · read 1 Oct 2026
- The Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (home page) jkf.co.ke · read 1 Oct 2026