Top Scholarships Open for Grade 10 Learners In 2026 [LIST]

Following the release of the 2025 Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) results, several public institutions, foundations, and private bodies have opened scholarship applications for Grade 10 learners transitioning to Senior Secondary School in 2026.

The scholarships target academically capable but financially vulnerable learners, including orphans, children from informal settlements, learners with disabilities, and refugees. The Kenya Times compiled a list of the key programmes currently open, their eligibility criteria and application processes.

Elimu Scholarship Programme (JKF)

The Ministry of Education, through the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF), is offering Elimu Scholarships across all 47 counties for learners joining senior school in 2026.

Eligible applicants must have attained “Meeting Expectation” to “Exceeding Expectation” (Achievement Levels 5–8) in the 2025 KJSEA, having sat the assessment in a public junior school. Learners with special needs and disabilities qualify regardless of achievement level under affirmative action.

Also Read: County Governments Announce School Scholarships for Grade 10 Learners

Refugee learners residing in Kakuma, Kalobeyei, and Dadaab camps are also eligible. For refugee applicants, boys must have attained Achievement Levels 5–8, while girls must have attained “Approaching Expectation” (Level 4) or higher.

Priority is given to learners from vulnerable backgrounds, including orphans, children from informal settlements, households affected by disability, chronic illness, HIV/AIDS, extreme poverty, neglect, or abuse.

Applications can be submitted online via scholarship.jkf.co.ke, downloaded from the Ministry of Education or JKF websites, or collected from Sub-County Education offices. Refugee learners may obtain forms from UNHCR or camp managers. The application deadline is December 23, 2025, at 5:00 pm.

The scholarship covers school fees, transport, school kits, pocket money, as well as mentorship and psychosocial support for the three-year senior school period.

KCB Foundation Senior School Scholarship

The KCB Foundation has opened applications for its 2026 Senior School Scholarship, targeting learners who attained Meeting Expectation (ME1) and above in all learning areas in the 2025 KJSEA.

Applicants must have sat the assessment in a public junior school, meet the respective county merit scores, and demonstrate financial need. Applications are open to learners from all 47 counties, including registered refugee students.

Interested applicants can download the application form on the official website or obtain it from any KCB branch countrywide. Applicants are required to present a duly filled application form at the designated interview venues and must be accompanied by a parent, guardian, or authorised adult. The KCB Foundation has stated that it will not assume responsibility for any learner who arrives unaccompanied.

Required documents include copies of the KJSEA result slip, birth certificate, parent or guardian national ID, senior school admission letter, and evidence of leadership or co-curricular involvement. Only complete applications will be considered, and admission to the programme is through a competitive, transparent selection process.

Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Foundation – Inuka Scholarship

The KPC Foundation has opened applications for the 2026 Inuka Senior School Scholarship, targeting learners with disabilities who sat the 2025 KJSEA and met or exceeded expectations.

The scholarship supports continuity into senior school under the Competency-Based Education system. Interviews will be conducted between January 12 and January 23, 2026, at designated government offices, including County Commissioners’ headquarters, Huduma Centres, NCPWD offices, and social services offices.

Also Read: Kenya Pipeline Foundation Announces 2026 Scholarships for Grade 10 Learners; How to Apply

Applications are submitted using the official Inuka Scholarship form available on the KPC Foundation website. The Foundation has emphasized that no fees are charged at any stage of the application process.

County Government and NG-CDF Bursaries

County Governments and the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) continue to offer bursaries to support needy learners joining senior secondary school.

County bursaries are administered through ward, sub-county, or county education offices, while NG-CDF bursaries are managed at the constituency level. Eligibility generally prioritises orphans, learners with disabilities, children from low-income households, and those at risk of dropping out due to financial hardship.

Applicants are typically required to submit KJSEA results, senior school admission letters, birth certificates and proof of financial need. Deadlines and amounts vary by county and constituency.

M-Pesa Foundation – Citizens of the Future Programme

The M-Pesa Foundation, through the Citizens of the Future programme, offers fully funded senior secondary education at the M-Pesa Foundation Academy, a residential institution offering the CBE curriculum.

Applicants must be aged 14–16, demonstrate academic excellence and leadership potential, and come from financially disadvantaged backgrounds. Refugee learners registered in Kenya are eligible to apply.

The scholarship covers tuition, accommodation, meals, learning materials, and pastoral care. Selection is competitive and includes academic review, leadership assessment, and background verification.

Galana Energies Foundation Scholarship

The Galana Energies Foundation has opened applications for learners who attained Exceeding Expectations in the 2025 KJSEA and have already been admitted to senior secondary school.

Applicants must come from very needy households and be willing to attend interviews. Applications for the Galana Energies Foundation Scholarship can be submitted via email or at Galana Energies service stations nationwide.

Beacon Scholarship Programme

The Beacon Scholarship targets high-achieving learners aged 13–18 seeking secondary education. Candidates must be nominated by their school heads and demonstrate academic excellence, leadership potential, strong English proficiency, and financial need.

The programme includes a multi-stage assessment process involving interviews, financial disclosure, and partner school evaluations.

Follow our WhatsApp Channel and X Account for real-time news updates