Family Bank backed Tufuzu Na Elimu provide 300 scholarships to Grade 10 learners
A total of 300 academically gifted but financially disadvantaged learners from vulnerable households across the country are set to join Grade 10 senior school after being awarded full scholarships under the Family Group Foundation’s flagship Tufuzu na Elimu scholarship programme.
The beneficiaries, drawn from 25 counties, mark a significant milestone as they become the first cohort of students supported by the Foundation under Kenya’s new Competency-Based Education (CBE) system.
The comprehensive scholarships will fully cover tuition fees, accommodation, school uniforms and upkeep for the entire three-year senior school cycle.
In addition to financial support, the programme places strong emphasis on holistic development through structured mentorship and life-skills training designed to build academic confidence, personal discipline and career readiness. The mentorship component is expected to play a critical role in guiding the learners as they transition into senior school and prepare for further education or entry into the job market.
Speaking during the announcement, Dr. Elyas Abdi Jillaow, the Director General at the Ministry of Education, lauded the initiative, noting that it complements the government’s ongoing efforts to ensure equity and quality in secondary education. He said that the Ministry has worked to standardise and equalise secondary schools across the country, ensuring that facilities and the quality of learning are comparable regardless of location.
“This means that learners in different parts of the country can access similar educational opportunities. We therefore value such support from the Foundation because sustained investment in education is one of the most effective ways of lifting households out of poverty,” Dr. Jillaow said.
He added that partnerships between government and the private sector are essential in cushioning vulnerable learners and ensuring that no child is left behind due to financial hardship.
The 300 learners form part of a broader legacy built by Family Group Foundation over the past 14 years.
According to Family Bank Chief Executive Officer Nancy Njau, the Foundation was established to deliver long-term social and economic value to communities by addressing systemic barriers that limit access to opportunity.
“Through the Foundation, our purpose has always been to create lasting impact. Through programmes such as Tufuzu na Elimu, we have ensured that financial circumstances do not stand in the way of academic potential,” Njau said.
“To date, we have supported more than 3,000 students from vulnerable households across the country, investing not only in education but also in other critical community initiatives,” She added.
The Tufuzu na Elimu programme has recorded notable success over the years, with about 80 per cent of its beneficiaries successfully transitioning to tertiary education institutions and the job market. This strong outcome has reinforced the programme’s reputation as a sustainable model for nurturing talent and promoting social mobility among disadvantaged communities.
Beyond education, the Foundation’s work spans environmental conservation, technical skills training and broader community empowerment initiatives.
These efforts have earned national recognition, including the 2023 Community Empowerment Leader Award at the Kenya ESG Awards. The accolade recognised the Foundation’s commitment to empowering vulnerable groups through inclusive and sustainable development programmes.
As the new cohort prepares to begin their senior school journey, the scholarships are expected to not only transform individual lives but also generate long-term ripple effects within families and communities.
By investing in education and mentorship, the Family Group Foundation continues to demonstrate how strategic partnerships and targeted interventions can unlock potential, reduce inequality and contribute to national development under Kenya’s evolving education system.
