Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) foundation will support 1,000 bright and underprivileged students to access their secondary school education.
Education Cabinet Secretary (CS) Ezekiel Machogu commended the KCB foundation saying that their gesture complements the government’s efforts towards achieving the 100 per cent transition.
“I would also like to congratulate the 1,000 recipients who managed to get scholarships by excelling in their KCPE examinations,” said the CS.
Speaking on Wednesday during the 2024 KCB foundation scholars’ flag-off ceremony at the KCB Karen Leadership Centre, Machogu said that KCB has chosen the best way to contribute to the country’s future development by deciding to invest in young scholars.
“Nelson Mandela, the former president of South Africa said that education is the most powerful weapon that can be used to change the world,” quoted Machogu.
He said, “I understand that so far 4,657 learners have been funded under the KCB scholarship programme. Today’s additional 1,000 scholarships therefore brings the total number to a commendable 5,657. Congratulations KCB for this commendable journey of philanthropy.”
Machogu said that he is delighted to learn that one of the learners selected under the 50 scholarships offered to the Ministry under the KCB Foundation, Sylvia Ombiro emerged as the best student at Alliance Girls High School, scoring a mean Grade of A Plain and also posting A plain in all subjects.
“I wish to announce that the Ministry of Education through The Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF) and Equity Group Foundation, has awarded 9,000 Elimu Scholarships in all 47 Counties to needy and vulnerable learners who attained 280 marks and above in the 2023 KCPE Examination,” said Machogu.
The CS explained that for affirmative action, candidates with special needs and disabilities who attained below 280 marks were eligible for the scholarships.
“Learners from Vulnerable and Marginalised Groups with 250 marks and above were also eligible,” said the CS as he encouraged other partners in education to step in and provide scholarships to needy learners to ensure the 100 per cent transition policy.
Machogu said that the government has heavily invested in the process of implementing various education forms since education contributes to the country’s economic growth.
“The 2023 KCPE examinations were the last under the 8-4-4 system and there will be no room for any one of the students to repeat,” he said.
Machogu said that under CBC, the government hopes to reduce wastage and ensure each learner optimally utilizes their talents explaining that the introduction of the student athlete programme is aligned with the CBC curriculum through recognizing talent as an educational pathway.
On Form One reporting to the school, Machogu said that 70 per cent have already reported and they will ensure all the 1,400,329 candidates will join Form One.
“The Ministry of Interior will work to comb all homes to realize the 100 per cent transition. The government will uphold its commitment to providing Free Day Secondary Education grants per learner, which include an allocation for tuition and operational expenses,” said the CS.
Machogu highlighted that boarding fees charged in public secondary schools will remain unchanged in 2024 as schools will continue to receive funds based on accurate enrollment data submitted by principals through the National Education Management Information System (NEMIS) as he urged them to use these funds for their intended purposes.
By Peace Maziga
