KCB gives orphans, disabled priority in award of 220 scholarships

The Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB) has awarded education scholarships to 220 learners from about 10,000 applicants this year.

The beneficiaries are from secondary schools and tertiary institutions.

Through its Foundation, the lender set aside Sh700 million for education scholarships this year.

KCB Human Resource boss Japheth Achola, while commissioning the project in Kisumu, said the vulnerable and marginalised have been given more weight in targeting to reduce the number dropping out of school due to financial hiccups.

“We intentionally seek out vulnerable and marginalised learners at risk of dropping out of school completely. This includes learners facing difficulties from orphanhood, disability or harmful cultural practices as well as gender or disability and areas with high poverty index,” Achola said.

“Our commitment stems from our strong belief that it is very clear every child has a right to access quality education, which is powerful tool of transformation in society. We have also incorporated a wholesome psycho-social support system to ensure the students receive mentorship and guidance, so they have relevant coping skills applicable to this dynamic fast-paced world,” he added.

The more than 10,000 applications received this year were a record since the programme was launched in 2007, giving it a combined 4,558 beneficiaries in the 15 years, he said.

It has collaborated with other institutions such as Kenya Institute of Special Education, and M-Pesa Foundation Academy. 

Every year, when KCPE and KCSE examination results are released, various organisations and the government offer scholarships to needy students who do well.

As Form One admissions close today, media reports show that a number of KCPE stars will miss their schools of choice or fail to report to any due to the lack of school fees.