Hope, Opportunity and New Beginnings as Kenya Education Fund Lifts 160 Bright Students
By Peace Muthoka
Joy, tears and loud applause filled the Nazarene Church along Ngong Road as Kenya Education Fund (KEF) awarded full scholarships to 160 bright but needy students drawn from across the country. The colourful ceremony marked a major milestone for the organisation as it welcomed its first cohort under the Competency-Based Curriculum and moved a step closer to celebrating 25 years of impact in 2026.
Parents, guardians, teachers and partners travelled from different regions to witness a moment many described as life-changing. For the students, it was more than an award ceremony. It was the start of a new journey filled with hope, stability and opportunity after years of uncertainty.
Speaking during the event, KEF Country Director Francis Ng’ang’a said the day was an awards ceremony. He explained that the selection process was rigorous and highly competitive, reflecting KEF’s commitment to merit and need.
“We distributed our application forms across the country and this year we received about 4,000 applications,” Ng’ang’a said. “Out of these, 750 students were interviewed and from that process we selected the 160 students we are welcoming today. We are happy they made it and we can already see their excitement as they prepare for the next four years.”
Ng’ang’a noted that all beneficiaries met the scholarship cut-off point of 50 marks in the Kenya Junior Secondary Education Assessment. He added that the CBC offers a unique opportunity to nurture talent, creativity and entrepreneurship among young people.
“This curriculum allows students to grow their talents and think beyond the classroom,” he said. “It aligns well with our life skills programme which focuses on building confident, disciplined and well-rounded individuals.”
Each student received a comprehensive scholarship package covering three years of full high school tuition, uniforms, shoes, textbooks and a year’s supply of sanitary pads for girls. The beneficiaries will also attend life skills workshops in Grades 10, 11 and 12, benefit from a post-secondary transition programme and receive a one-year scholarship for university or college upon completing Grade 12.
Chief guest Kavita Docchi, founder of Charity Connect (left), shares a moment with one of the scholarship beneficiaries.
Chief guest Kavita Docchi, the founder of Charity Connect, praised both the students and the organisation for transforming lives through education. Kavita, who also served as a guest speaker, actively participated in the presentation of certificates to the students, sharing words of encouragement and hope.
“I am deeply inspired by these students and their resilience,” Kavita said. “Despite coming from very difficult backgrounds, they have shown discipline, determination and courage. I also commend Kenya Education Fund for its consistency and heart for service. This is how real change begins.”
KEF Executive Director Dominic Muasya congratulated the beneficiaries and challenged them to use education as a tool to uplift their families and communities.
“Through education, you have the power to change your life and the lives of others,” Muasya said. “This scholarship shows that we believe in you and trust you to make the right choices.”
Kenya Research Fund chair Captain Chris Kariuki echoed the message of hope while acknowledging existing challenges. He said KEF currently covers school fees but continues to seek support to meet additional needs as students advance.
“This programme will cost close to 90 million shillings,” Kariuki said. “As students move to higher levels, needs like laptops will arise. We are exploring ways to meet these needs. To the beneficiaries, when your talent and vision meet this opportunity and you embrace hard work and consistency, you cannot fail.”
Among the beneficiaries was Mary Mbaganda, a total orphan who described the scholarship as a miracle. Fighting back tears, she thanked KEF for giving her a second chance at life.
“My journey has been very difficult,” Mary said. “I have no parents and at times I almost gave up. Today I feel seen and supported. I promise to work hard and make this opportunity count.”
The scholarships come as Kenya Education Fund marks 25 years of impact since its founding in 2001. Over the years, KEF has supported more than 4,600 students, many of whom now contribute positively to their communities and the nation.
As the ceremony ended, smiles and embraces told a powerful story. For 160 students, the future now looks brighter, and for Kenya Education Fund, the mission to transform lives through education continues with renewed purpose.
