Eligibility, Requirements & Selection for the KCB Scholarship

Last updated on January 8, 2026

A student qualifies for the KCB Scholarship if they passed KCPE, come from a needy family, have admission to a public secondary school, and are approved through interviews and home verification by the KCB Foundation.

Every year, parents line up at secondary schools and KCB branches with the same worry. A child has passed KCPE, the admission letter is ready, but school fees feel out of reach. Many families hesitate to apply, unsure whether the KCB Scholarship is meant for them. Understanding who truly qualifies can save time, reduce stress, and give deserving students a real chance to continue their education.

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Quick Glance

• High-performing students from low-income or vulnerable families
• Learners joining Form 1 in public secondary schools
• Students with strong academic records and good discipline
• Applicants who can prove financial need through school and guardian documents

What Is the KCB Scholarship?

The KCB Scholarship is an education support programme run by KCB Foundation to help students who perform well in school but cannot afford to continue their education due to financial hardship.

Across Kenya, many learners complete primary school with strong KCPE results yet fail to join secondary school. The reason is rarely a lack of ability. In most cases, it is the cost of fees, uniforms, books, and basic school requirements.

While government bursaries exist, they are not always reliable or enough. The KCB Scholarship was created to bridge this gap by offering full secondary education support, along with mentorship and life skills that help students succeed beyond school.

The Main Goal of the KCB Scholarship Programme

The programme focuses on more than just school fees. Its objectives include:

• Improving access to quality education for underprivileged students
• Increasing transition rates from primary to secondary school
• Supporting students throughout secondary education
• Improving long-term employability and life outcomes

This is why the scholarship combines education funding with mentorship, psychosocial support, and career guidance.

Who Qualifies for the KCB Scholarship?

To qualify, a student must meet academic, financial, and school placement requirements. All three matter.

1. The Student Must Come From a Needy Background

Financial need is the most important factor.

The scholarship is strictly meant for students whose families cannot afford secondary school education. During selection, shortlisted candidates undergo home visits to confirm their living conditions and financial situation.

This is where many applicants get confused. High KCPE marks alone do not guarantee selection if the household does not meet the need criteria.

2. The Student Must Have Sat KCPE and Met County Cut-Off Marks

Applicants must:

• Have completed the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE)
• Have scored the prescribed county cut-off marks

Cut-off marks differ by county and are communicated through official notices at KCB branches. Academic performance is important, but it is assessed together with financial need.

3. The Student Must Have Admission to a Public Secondary School

To qualify, the student must have:

• An admission letter to a public National, County, or Ex-County secondary school

Private secondary schools are not covered under the standard KCB Scholarship package.

4. The Student Must Have Studied in a Public Primary School

Eligibility is limited to students who:

• Sat their KCPE in a public primary school

This ensures the programme prioritises learners who are most likely to face financial challenges.

Inclusion and Special Consideration Groups

The KCB Scholarship programme is designed to promote fairness and inclusion.

Students Living With Disabilities

• 10 percent of scholarship opportunities are reserved for persons living with disabilities
• Recruitment is done through:
  • County social development offices
  • Integrated and special primary schools

Students with disabilities also receive support such as assistive devices and tailored mentorship.

Gender Balance

The programme ensures:

• 50 percent of all scholarships are allocated to girls

This aligns with national goals on gender equity in access to education.

Other Vulnerable Groups

The programme has supported students from various vulnerable categories, including:

• Orphans
• Teen mothers
• Learners from extremely disadvantaged households

What Does the KCB Scholarship Cover?

The scholarship provides full support for four years of secondary education.

This includes:

• Payment of school fees
• Support for uniforms, books, and learning materials
• Assistive devices for students with disabilities
• Quarterly one-on-one mentorship sessions
• Annual holiday mentorship programmes
• Psychosocial and life skills support
• Safeguarding training

Exceptional students may later receive tertiary education support.

How the KCB Scholarship Application Process Works

The application process is designed to be accessible, especially for students in rural and underserved areas.

Step 1: Collect the Application Form

• Forms are available at all KCB branches countrywide
• Collection usually starts from 1st December

There is no online application form and no application fee.

Step 2: Complete and Submit the Form

Applicants must:

• Fill the form fully and honestly
• Attach all required supporting documents
• Submit the form for county-level consideration

Incomplete or inaccurate forms may lead to disqualification.

Step 3: Attend County Interviews

Applicants attend interviews:

• In the county where they sat KCPE
• Conducted by KCB staff teams

Interview dates and locations are communicated through KCB branches.

Step 4: Home Verification

Shortlisted candidates receive home visits.

During these visits, officials verify:

• Household income and living conditions
• Family responsibilities and dependents

This step ensures the scholarship reaches students who genuinely need support.

Step 5: Final Selection and School Placement

Successful applicants:

• Are assigned individual mentors
• Begin secondary school as part of the KCB Scholars programme

Support continues throughout the four years of secondary education.

Athletics Scholarships Under the KCB Scholars Initiative

In 2024, the Foundation expanded the programme to include student athletics scholarships.

• 50 talented young athletes from disadvantaged backgrounds are currently supported
• Scholars receive:
  • Full four-year secondary school sponsorship
  • Professional athletics coaching
  • Education aligned with the CBC curriculum

Training is conducted at recognised centres of excellence across Kenya.

You don’t understand anything until you learn it more than one way.

Impact of the KCB Scholarship Programme

The programme has recorded strong outcomes over the years:

• 5,746 secondary scholarships awarded
• 631 tertiary scholarships granted
• 99 percent secondary school completion rate
• 84 percent transition to university
• 537 secondary schools engaged
• 739 students supported from niche vulnerable groups
• 150 students sponsored at M-PESA Foundation Academy since 2018

These numbers show the programme’s long-term impact beyond school fees.

Important Things Applicants and Parents Should Know

• The KCB Scholarship is highly competitive
• Meeting eligibility requirements does not guarantee selection
• All information provided must be truthful
• There are no agents and no paid intermediaries
• Official information is available only through KCB branches and official channels

Applicants should be cautious of scholarship scams.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What is KCB Foundation?

KCB Foundation is the social impact arm of KCB Group that focuses on education, youth empowerment, and community development. Its main goal is to support bright but financially disadvantaged students by providing scholarships, mentorship, and life skills support. Beyond education, the Foundation also works on environmental sustainability and economic empowerment initiatives across Kenya and the region.

What are the eligibility criteria for KCB grants?

Eligibility for KCB grants and scholarships depends on the specific programme, but the core requirements usually include financial need, academic performance, and admission to a recognised public institution. For education-related support, priority is given to students from needy households who meet the prescribed academic cut-off marks and are willing to go through interviews and home verification.

What is the KCB Foundation 2Jiajiri Scholarship?

The KCB Foundation 2Jiajiri Scholarship is a youth empowerment programme focused on skills development and entrepreneurship rather than traditional secondary school education. It supports young people with vocational skills training, business development support, and access to tools or capital to start income-generating activities. The programme targets youth who may not follow a formal academic pathway but want sustainable livelihoods.

How do I apply for a KCB Foundation scholarship?

Applications for KCB Foundation scholarships are done through official channels only. For secondary school scholarships, application forms are collected from KCB branches countrywide during the application period. Applicants then attend county-level interviews and may undergo home verification. There is no online application fee, and applicants are advised to rely only on information provided at KCB branches or official KCB Foundation platforms.

Does KCB Foundation offer vocational training?

Yes, KCB Foundation supports vocational training through programmes such as 2Jiajiri. These initiatives focus on equipping youth with practical skills, technical training, and entrepreneurship knowledge. The aim is to help young people become self-reliant, employable, or capable of running small businesses, especially in areas where formal employment opportunities are limited.

Final Thoughts

The KCB Scholarship is not just about paying school fees. It is about identifying potential, supporting resilience, and giving deserving students a fair chance to succeed despite financial hardship. Understanding who qualifies helps families make informed decisions and apply with confidence. For students who meet the criteria, the scholarship can be a life-changing opportunity that opens doors far beyond secondary school.

Varsha Asrani

Varsha Asrani is a lecturer and education writer with experience as Visiting Faculty at AUPP and ATMC College, and as a Lecturer with TalentEdge and UpGrad. She is the Founder of the Asrani Institute of Education and Counselling. Varsha specializes in scholarships, e-learning, and career guidance for African students and professionals, and regularly visits Africa to gather first-hand insights that shape her research and articles.