Hope is rising for 300 bright but underprivileged students across Kenya, thanks to a powerful boost from KCB Foundation. The bank has officially flagged off the fourth cohort of its Annual University Scholarship Programme, offering full scholarships and mentorship support to young dreamers ready to change their lives — and their communities.
With a generous KShs. 100 million investment, KCB is covering tuition and mentorship for the entire duration of each student’s course — whether in university, college, or a technical training institution.
But this isn’t just about paying school fees. It’s about breaking barriers.
“We’re not just investing in education — we’re investing in the future of Kenya,” said KCB Group CEO Paul Russo. “Every child deserves a chance, and through this programme, we’re making sure no dream is left behind because of financial hardship.”
This year’s beneficiaries join 588 students already studying under the programme. Since its launch in 2021, KCB has supported a total of 5,755 learners — including 3,500 currently in high school. The initiative goes beyond academics, offering regular mentorship and psychosocial support to help students overcome personal and societal challenges.
The scholarship is boldly inclusive:
- 50% of slots go to girls
- 10% to persons with disabilities
- Special focus is given to teenage mothers, orphans, FGM survivors, and students from areas hit hardest by poverty.
Among those supported are 104 teenage mothers reclaiming their dreams, 134 girls leading the fight against FGM, and 454 students living with disabilities — proof that this programme is rewriting the narrative of what’s possible.
Basic Education PS Amb. Prof. Julius Bitok praised KCB’s efforts, calling public-private partnerships like this key to bridging education gaps. “We’ve made great progress with government initiatives, but it’s partnerships like this that take real impact to the next level,” he said.
