The Elimu Scholarship 2026, sponsored by the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF) and the Ministry of Education, is a government initiative aimed at providing financial support to vulnerable learners across Kenya. This scholarship targets students joining senior school in 2026 and offers a comprehensive three-year support package. It provides a full education experience for the students, including school fees, transport, school supplies, and psychosocial support.
The goal of this scholarship is to ensure that deserving Kenyan learners from disadvantaged backgrounds have access to quality education, aligning with the vision of equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their financial or social circumstances.
Who Can Apply? – Academic Requirements for Elimu Scholarships 2026
To apply for the Elimu Scholarships 2026, candidates must meet specific academic and background criteria.
Academic Requirements:
Applicants must have:
- Taken the 2025 KJSEA Assessments (Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment).
- For Kenyan Learners: Must have academic scores ranging from “Meeting Expectation” to “Exceeding Expectation” (Levels 5–8).
- For Refugee Learners:
- Boys: Must score at least Level 5.
- Girls: Must score Level 4 and above (“Approaching Expectation”).
- Special Needs Learners: All achievement levels are considered under affirmative action.
Eligibility Criteria – Background Requirements
In addition to academic requirements, applicants must come from vulnerable backgrounds as outlined below:
- Orphans or students without parental support.
- Residents of urban informal settlements (e.g., slums).
- Parents or guardians with disabilities affecting income.
- Families affected by HIV/AIDS or chronic debilitating illnesses.
- Extreme poverty situations.
- Victims of neglect or abuse without support.
- Learners with special needs or disabilities.
Eligible Refugee Camp-Based Primary Schools
Refugee learners from camps like Kakuma and Dadaab are eligible to apply, provided they meet the academic criteria.
How to Apply for Elimu Scholarships 2026
Step 1: Get Your Application Form
You have two options for collecting your application form:
- Physical Collection:
- Kenyan Nationals: Visit the nearest Sub-County Education Office.
- Refugee Learners: Visit the Camp Manager or UNHCR Offices in Kakuma/Dadaab.
- Online Collection:
- Download the application form from:
- Ministry of Education Website: www.education.go.ke
- JKF Website: www.jkf.co.ke
- Download the application form from:
Step 2: Complete & Submit Your Application
Once you have your application form, follow these steps:
- Fill Out the Application: Ensure that all required sections are completed, and all information provided is accurate.
- Attach All Required Documents: You must submit supporting documents such as:
- KJSEA assessment results
- Proof of background (e.g., proof of being an orphan, a resident of informal settlements, etc.).
- Submit the Application:
- Deadline: 23rd December 2025, by 5:00 PM.
- Submission Methods:
- Online Portal (preferred method): https://scholarship.jkf.co.ke
- Physical Submission:
- Kenyan Applicants: Submit at Sub-County Education Offices.
- Refugee Applicants: Submit at the Sub-County Director of Education or Camp Manager.
Important: Only applications submitted by the deadline will be considered.
What Happens After You Apply? – The Elimu Scholarships Selection Process
After submitting your application, the selection process follows these steps:
- Application Review: The eligibility of applicants will be verified.
- Shortlisting: Based on the criteria fulfillment, candidates will be shortlisted for interviews.
- Interviews: Interviews will be conducted by Community Selection Advisory Committees (CSACs). Both the applicant and a parent/guardian must attend the interview.
- Final Selection: Based on the interview performance, the final scholarship recipients will be selected.
Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews.
Elimu Scholarships 2026 – Benefits
The Elimu Scholarship 2026 offers a comprehensive 3-year support package for successful applicants. The scholarship covers:
- Full School Fees: Complete coverage of tuition and academic fees.
- Transport: Travel expenses to and from school.
- School Kit: Shopping allowance for essential school items.
- Pocket Money: A regular stipend to help with daily needs.
- Mentorship: Guidance and support to help students excel academically and personally.
- Psychosocial Support: Counseling services to support students’ mental and emotional well-being.
Total Support:
The scholarship is designed to ensure the holistic development of students throughout their senior school years.
Important Reminders for Elimu Scholarships Applicants
Before applying, keep these important points in mind:
- Eligibility: Only eligible candidates will be considered for the scholarship.
- No Application Fees: The entire application process is free of charge.
- Verify Information: Always use official sources to verify information.
- Meet the Deadline: Late applications will NOT be accepted.
- Integrity: Provide honest and accurate information. False claims will result in disqualification.
Elimu Scholarships 2026 – Contact Information
If you have any questions or need assistance, you can contact the scholarship helpline:
Hotlines:
- Toll-Free: 0800724695
- Mobile: 0723286993, 0723969793, 0735339135
Email:
Official Websites:
Application Portal: https://scholarship.jkf.co.ke
Elimu Scholarships Application Timeline
- Application Opening: December 2025
- Submission Deadline: 23rd December 2025, 5:00 PM
- Shortlisting & Interviews: Early 2026
- Program Commencement: 2026 Academic Year
Spread the Word: Help Reach Deserving Learners!
Share this information with community leaders, school administrators, neighbors, and relatives to ensure deserving students don’t miss out on this life-changing opportunity.
“Investing in Education, Building Kenya’s Future”
