Over 14,000 beneficiaries of the Government’s Elimu Scholarship Programme have been challenged to harness their talents, digital capabilities, and practical skills to become problem-solvers, innovators, and entrepreneurs capable of driving Kenya’s socio-economic development.
The call was made during the 2026 Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF) Elimu Scholarship Annual Achievers’ Summit, held under the national theme, “From Potential to Purpose: Inspiring Excellence, Leadership and Impact.”
Aligning Classroom Learning with Market Demands
The nationwide initiative took place across all 47 counties, bringing together Grade 10 and Form Four Elimu scholars for training on leadership, character development, career planning, and transitioning into tertiary education, technical training institutes, and the modern job market.
At the Nairobi regional session—which gathered over 700 students at Alliance Girls High School in Kikuyu, Kiambu County—education leaders highlighted the urgent need to bridge academic instruction with hands-on skills required in today’s workforce.
Addressing the scholars, Ms. Julia Komunga, the Ministry of Education Sub-County Director of Education for Westlands, Nairobi, emphasized that academic achievement must translate into functional market competencies. She noted that traditional learning pathways often leave graduates facing a skills mismatch, a challenge the government is addressing through Competency-Based Education (CBE).
“Competency-Based Education ensures learners acquire specific skills and competencies required directly in the labor market. Scholars must aspire to become problem-solvers, digital innovators, skilled technicians, and creative entrepreneurs,” Komunga stated.
Holistic Support for Technical & Academic Progression
Beyond career guidance, the summit provided peer-to-peer interactive sessions, mentorship from JKF alumni, and essential psychosocial support to help learners tackle challenges both at school and home.
The Elimu Scholarship Programme—a national Government initiative executed by the Ministry of Education and managed by JKF—currently supports more than 24,000 active learners across the country.
| Support Component | Details Provided |
| Tuition & Fees | Full secondary school fee coverage |
| Learning Materials | Uniforms, shopping kits, and essential supplies |
| Logistics & Living | Transport allowances and pocket money |
| Capacity Building | Continuous mentorship, career guidance, and psychosocial support |
Now in its fourth edition, the Annual Achievers’ Summit has established itself as a cornerstone for preparing Kenyan youth to transition into technical colleges, universities, and self-employment ventures.