Last updated on April 10, 2026
The KCB Scholarship 2026 is officially open, and applications are now being accepted for students across Kenya. If you have completed KCPE and come from a financially needy background, this is one of the few scholarships that can fully support your secondary education.
Most students searching for the KCB scholarship want clear answers: Is it open, who qualifies, and where do you get the application form? Missing even one step in the process can lead to disqualification, even for high-performing students.
This guide explains exactly how the KCB Scholarship works in 2026, including eligibility, where to get the application form, deadlines, and what happens after you apply so you can complete the process correctly the first time.
Quick Glance
- Covers: School fees, mentorship, support
- Who can apply: KCPE students with financial need
- Application: Through schools or KCB Foundation
- Deadline: Usually early in the year
- Application status: Usually opens December and runs into early 2026
- Selection: Academic performance + background check
Table of Contents
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 KCB Scholarship 2026?
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.
“The KCB Scholarship is not about rewarding the richest students with the highest marks. It is about identifying bright learners from disadvantaged homes and giving them a fair chance to complete secondary education.”
Where to Get KCB Scholarship Application Form(2026)
The KCB Scholarship 2026 application form is available through official KCB Foundation channels only. There is no unofficial or paid application process.
1. KCB Bank Branches (Main Method)
- Application forms are available at all KCB branches across Kenya
- Distribution usually starts from December each year
- Students or parents can visit the nearest branch to collect the form
This is the most reliable and recommended method, especially for students in rural areas.
2. KCB Foundation Website (Download Option)
- The form can also be downloaded from the official KCB Foundation website
- Once downloaded, it must be:
- Printed
- Filled completely
- Submitted during the interview stage
3. No Online Submission for Main Scholarship
- The secondary school KCB Scholarship does NOT use a fully online application system
- Applicants must:
- Fill the physical form
- Attend county-level interviews with documents
This is where many students make mistakes by searching for an “online application link” that does not exist.
Important Instructions Before You Apply
- Only the 2026 application form is accepted
- Incomplete forms are automatically rejected
- All supporting documents must be attached
- Applicants must attend interviews with the completed form
How to Apply for KCB Scholarship 2026 (Step-by-Step)
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.
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
Students searching for funding opportunities across universities and countries can start with this overview of verified scholarships in Africa, which explains the main scholarship routes available to African students.
KCB Scholarship 2026 Deadline (Important Dates)
The KCB Scholarship 2026 application period has already opened, and timelines vary slightly depending on the specific programme (secondary school or vocational training). Based on official announcements and recent verified updates, here are the key dates:
Key Timeline:
- Application opening: Typically from December 2025
- Main application period: January to March 2026
- Some vocational programmes closed around 10 March 2026
- Interviews: Conducted shortly after application closing
- Final selection: After interviews and verification
There is no single nationwide deadline, so applicants must follow updates specific to their programme.
Applying early increases the chances of being considered.
Should You Apply for KCB Scholarship 2026?
If the eligibility requirements match your situation, applying early gives a better chance of selection. Many students miss out simply because they do not complete the process correctly or on time.
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 2026 is not just about paying school fees. It is one of the top scholarships in Kenya, which 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 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.
