More than 14,000 beneficiaries of the Government’s Elimu Scholarship Programme have been challenged to harness their talents and skills to become problem-solvers, innovators and entrepreneurs capable of contributing to Kenya’s socio-economic development.
The call was made during the 2026 Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF) Elimu Scholarship Annual Achievers’ Summit held under the theme, “From Potential to Purpose: Inspiring Excellence, Leadership and Impact”.
The annual mentorship programme, conducted across all 47 counties from August 17 to 21, brought together Elimu scholars in Grade 10 and Form Four for training and mentorship on leadership, character development, career planning, goal setting and transition to tertiary institutions and the job market.
The Nairobi session of the summit brought together more than 700 students from the capital at Alliance Girls High School in Kikuyu, Kiambu County, for a three-day mentorship programme focusing on leadership, character development, career planning, goal setting and transition to tertiary institutions and the job market.
The scholars received expert advice from various facilitators, including the Ministry of Education Sub-County Director of Education for Westlands, Nairobi, Ms Julia Komunga, who emphasised the need for scholars to successfully transition to tertiary institutions, the future workforce and beyond.
Komunga said studies had shown that a significant number of graduates lacked market-relevant competencies, noting that the government was addressing the gap through Competency-Based Education (CBE).
She said the approach was aimed at ensuring learners acquire specific skills and competencies required in the labour market.
Komunga challenged the scholars to aspire to become problem-solvers, digital innovators, skilled technicians and creative entrepreneurs capable of bridging classroom learning with real-world workforce needs.
The summit also provided an opportunity for scholars from different schools to interact, exchange ideas and learn from one another, while JKF alumni shared experiences from their educational and professional journeys.
The mentorship sessions further enabled the JKF team to identify and address challenges affecting learners both at school and at home while providing psychosocial support and guidance.
The Elimu Scholarship Programme is a Government initiative under the Ministry of Education and is managed by JKF. The Foundation has supported more than 10,000 students through scholarships since 1966 and currently supports more than 24,000 learners under the Elimu programme.
Beneficiaries receive school fees, shopping kits, transport, pocket money and uniforms, in addition to mentorship and psychosocial support.
The Achievers’ Summit, which began in 2023, is now in its fourth edition and has become a key component of the scholarship programme’s efforts to prepare learners for life beyond school.
At the conclusion of the Nairobi sessions, scholars expressed gratitude for the opportunity, saying the expert guidance had equipped them with practical insights on goal setting, career choices, decision-making and pursuing higher aspirations.
By Grace Naishoo
