KCB Foundation Expands Talent Pipeline amidst Back to School 2026

KCB Foundation is positioning education support as a long-term talent investment after setting aside Sh600 million for its 2026 scholarship cohort, with beneficiaries expected to report to secondary schools and universities in the coming days. The funding targets learners from secondary school through to university, covering fees, stipends, uniforms, and other essential needs to reduce dropout risks linked to poverty.

Beyond access to schooling, the programme places growing emphasis on inclusion. Within the 2026 intake, 120 slots have been ring-fenced for learners from vulnerable and often overlooked groups, including teen mothers, persons living with disabilities, and students affected by harmful cultural practices such as female genital mutilation. The move reflects a shift toward using education support to address deeper social barriers that keep learners out of school.

The Foundation is also widening its support for non-academic talent. Its student athlete programme has been expanded with the admission of 75 new scholars, bringing the total number of supported athletes since 2024 to 125. The track combines education with structured talent development, signalling a broader view of student potential beyond classroom performance.

Speaking during the award of 1,000 full secondary school scholarships, KCB Group director for marketing and communications Rosalind Gichuru said the programme aligns with the group’s focus on transforming lives by nurturing talent among academically gifted but financially vulnerable learners entering Kenya Senior Schools.

Since its launch in 2007, KCB Foundation has supported more than 7,000 learners nationwide. Following the expansion of the programme to tertiary education in 2021, over 950 university and college students have also benefited. Director Mendi Njonjo said the Foundation is scaling the programme to reach more deserving learners across the country, reinforcing education as a pathway to long-term social and economic mobility rather than short-term relief.