Last reviewed: 18 October 2026
Public day senior schools charge no fees, but boarding fees, uniform, shopping and transport still keep some children out of school. Kenya has several sources of help. Most have short application windows, often in December and January, just as Grade 9 results and placements come out. This guide explains each one, who it is for and what to prepare. It is written so that you are ready before the window opens. It is accurate as of October 2026, and we flag where a programme’s details for the next intake have not yet been announced.
On this page
1. Elimu Scholarship Programme (Ministry of Education and JKF)
For families of Grade 9 learners, this is the most important scholarship. It is run by the Ministry of Education through the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF), with support from the Equity Group Foundation.
What it covered for the 2026 intake
According to the Ministry’s announcement, the scholarship covers “school fees, transport to and from school, School Kit (Shopping) and a pocket money” for the three years of senior school, plus mentorship and psychosocial support (MoE announcement, Elimu Scholarship 2026).
Who was eligible
- 2025 KJSEA candidates from public junior schools.
- Learners who scored Achievement Levels 5 to 8 (Meeting Expectation to Exceeding Expectation). Learners with special needs and disabilities were considered regardless of level.
- Refugee learners in Kakuma, Kalobeyei and Dadaab, under slightly different level rules: boys Levels 5–8, girls Level 4 and above.
- Learners from poor and vulnerable backgrounds, including orphans, children in urban informal settlements, families affected by disability, HIV/AIDS or chronic illness, extreme poverty, and neglect or abuse.
How and when to apply
For the 2026 intake, the announcement came on 2 December 2025, and applications closed on 23 December 2025 at 5.00 pm (The Star). Forms were available at Sub-County Education offices and on the MoE and JKF websites, and could be submitted online at scholarship.jkf.co.ke. Shortlisted learners were interviewed with a parent or guardian by Community Selection Advisory Committees. JKF’s site now says the 2026 window is closed (JKF).
2. NG-CDF Constituency Bursaries
Every constituency’s National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) runs a bursary for needy secondary and college students. Each constituency sets its own dates, forms and requirements. For example, Seme Constituency opened its 2025/2026 secondary bursary forms on 8 December 2025, received them from 5 to 9 January 2026, and warned that “incomplete forms & forms without supportive documents… will not be processed” (Seme NG-CDF public notice).
How to approach it:
- Find your constituency’s NG-CDF office or official page through ngcdf.go.ke, and ask when the next intake opens.
- Bursaries are normally paid to the school, not to the parent. Have the school’s admission letter and fee structure ready.
- Amounts vary by constituency and usually cover only part of the fee. Plan for a partial award.
- Beware of unofficial sites that look like NG-CDF portals. Use your constituency office or a .go.ke address.
3. County Government Bursaries
Many county governments run their own education bursary or scholarship funds, separate from NG-CDF and usually applied for through ward offices. Programmes, amounts and timing differ widely. Some counties also make agreements with the national government on bursary administration. One such intergovernmental agreement for Mombasa County appeared in the Kenya Gazette of 6 February 2026. Ask your ward administrator or county education office for the current cycle.
4. Wings to Fly (Equity Group Foundation)
Wings to Fly is Equity’s long-running secondary scholarship. According to the foundation, it has supported over 60,000 scholars with tuition, accommodation, books, uniform, shopping, pocket money and transport (Equity Group Foundation). Its public page still describes selection based on KCPE performance and four years of secondary school. That describes the 8-4-4 system, which no longer applies to children entering senior school. As of October 2026 we have not found an official Wings to Fly call for KJSEA candidates. Note that Equity Group Foundation is listed as a supporter of the government’s Elimu Scholarship. Do not pay anyone for a “Wings to Fly form”. Applications have historically been free, through Equity branches, agents and the foundation’s website.
5. Help From the School Itself
The Ministry’s senior school guidelines say schools “should have a system in place to support needy students… through bursaries, scholarships, or partnerships with external donors and well-wishers”, and must tell families how to apply. Schools may also agree instalment plans, “documented and signed by both parties”, and are “prohibited from sending away students for non-payment of boarding fees as per the Basic Education Act (2013)” (MoE guidelines, section 7.6). Ask the principal or bursar early. Do not wait until arrears build up.
6. Other Sources
Churches, mosques, sponsors’ foundations, alumni associations and employers sometimes fund individual students. These are usually local and informal. Ask your child’s junior school head, your religious leader and your chief, who often know of them.
Documents to Prepare Now
- Your child’s birth certificate and your national ID.
- The KJSEA results slip once released, and the KPSEA report.
- Death certificates if one or both parents are deceased.
- A letter from the chief or assistant chief confirming your circumstances.
- Evidence of disability or chronic illness, where relevant.
- The senior school’s admission letter and official fee structure.
- Payslips or bank statements, if any. Many forms ask for evidence of income.
Scan everything onto your phone so you can apply online quickly. Then read our senior school fees 2026 guide so you know exactly what the bursary needs to cover.
Sources
- Ministry of Education, Announcement for the Elimu Scholarship Programme 2026.
- The Star, MoE calls for 2026 Elimu Scholarship applications, 2 December 2025.
- Seme Constituency NG-CDF, Bursary public notice 2025/2026.
- Equity Group Foundation, Wings to Fly.
- Ministry of Education, Guidelines for Implementation of Senior School Education.