The Elimu Scholarships 2026 offer a unique opportunity for deserving students across Kenya, including those from vulnerable backgrounds, to access quality secondary education. The scholarship, initiated by the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF), aims to support academically talented students joining senior schools in 2026. These scholarships provide holistic financial assistance, covering tuition fees, school supplies, transport, and more.
If you’re a student or parent interested in applying for the Elimu Scholarships 2026, this article outlines the steps, eligibility criteria, and all you need to know about the application process.
Who Can Apply for Elimu Scholarships 2026?
Academic Requirements:
To be eligible for the Elimu Scholarship, students must have taken the 2025 KJSEA Assessments and meet the following academic criteria:
- Kenyan Learners: Must have achieved scores between “Meeting Expectation” and “Exceeding Expectation” (Levels 5-8).
- Refugee Boys: Must score between Levels 5-8.
- Refugee Girls: Must score “Approaching Expectation” (Level 4) and above.
- Special Needs Learners: All achievement levels are considered, with affirmative action provided.
Eligibility Criteria: Background Requirements
Applicants must also meet the background criteria to qualify for the Elimu Scholarship. Eligible students must come from vulnerable backgrounds, including:
- Orphans and those without parental support
- Residents of urban informal settlements
- Parents/guardians with disabilities affecting income
- Families affected by HIV/AIDS or chronic debilitating illnesses
- Extreme poverty or marginalized living conditions
- Victims of neglect/abuse without support
- Learners with special needs and disabilities
Eligible Refugee Camp Schools
The Elimu Scholarship also targets refugee students. These learners must be from the designated Kakuma or Dadaab refugee camps, having attended primary schools that participated in the 2025 KJSEA.
How to Apply for Elimu Scholarships 2026
Step 1: Obtain the Application Form
To apply for the Elimu Scholarship, you must first obtain the application form. There are two ways to get the form:
Option A: Physical Collection
- Kenyan Nationals: Visit your nearest Sub-County Education Office.
- Refugee Learners: Visit the Camp Manager or UNHCR offices in Kakuma or Dadaab camps.
Option B: Download Online
- Visit the Ministry of Education website: www.education.go.ke
- Alternatively, download from the JKF Website: www.jkf.co.ke
Step 2: Complete & Submit Your Application
Once you have the application form, fill it out completely and submit it by the deadline.
Submission Deadline:
- December 23, 2025 by 5:00 PM
Submission Methods:
- Online Portal (Preferred): https://scholarship.jkf.co.ke
- Physical Delivery:
- Kenyan applicants: Submit at the Sub-County Education Office.
- Refugee applicants: Submit at the Sub-County Director of Education or Camp Manager.
Required Supporting Documents:
Ensure that you provide all the necessary supporting documents, including:
- Proof of academic performance (KJSEA results)
- Proof of background (e.g., orphan certificate, disability statement, etc.)
What Happens After You Submit Your Application?
Selection Process:
- Application Review: The submitted applications will be reviewed to verify eligibility.
- Shortlisting: Eligible candidates will be shortlisted based on their application details.
- Interviews: Shortlisted candidates will be invited for interviews conducted by the Community Selection Advisory Committees (CSACs).
- Final Selection: Final selection will be based on the candidate’s interview performance.
Important Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for interviews, and parents/guardians are required to attend these interviews.
Elimu Scholarship Benefits
The Elimu Scholarship 2026 provides a comprehensive 3-year support package to help students throughout their secondary education:
- Full School Fees: Complete coverage of all tuition fees for the duration of the program.
- Transport: Provision for transport to and from school.
- School Kit: Shopping allowance to cover essential school supplies.
- Pocket Money: Regular stipends for personal expenses.
- Mentorship: Ongoing guidance and support for academic and personal growth.
- Psychosocial Support: Access to counseling and emotional support.
This package is designed to ensure that scholars can focus on their education without the financial pressures that often hinder academic progress.
Important Reminders for Elimu Scholarship Applicants
- Only eligible candidates will be considered. Verify that you meet all the requirements before applying.
- No application fees: The entire process is free.
- Use official sources to verify your information, avoiding any third-party services that claim to assist with applications.
- Submit on time: Late applications will not be accepted.
- Be honest: False information or misleading claims will lead to immediate disqualification.
Contact Information
For any inquiries or assistance, the following contacts are available:
Hotlines:
- Toll-Free: 0800724695
- Mobile: 0723286993, 0723969793, 0735339135
Email:
Official Websites:
Application Portal:
Elimu Scholarship 2026: Application Timeline
- Opening: December 2025
- Collection Period: December 2025
- Submission Deadline: 23rd December 2025
- Shortlisting & Interviews: Early 2026
- Program Commencement: 2026 Academic Year
Spread the Word!
Help reach deserving learners by sharing this information:
- Inform school administrators and teachers.
- Post on community noticeboards.
- Announce in community centers or places of worship.
Together, we can ensure that no deserving child misses out on this opportunity!
Conclusion
The Elimu Scholarships 2026 offer a significant opportunity for vulnerable and deserving students to pursue secondary education without financial barriers. By following the application steps, ensuring eligibility, and meeting the submission deadline, students can secure the support they need for a brighter academic future.
