Elimu scholarship opens doors for over 1,100 Grade 10 learners in Garissa

FOR hundreds of learners in Garissa county, the leap to senior secondary school would have remained uncertain were it not for the Elimu scholarship, which has supported 1,129 Grade 10 students from poor families.

Among the beneficiaries are 245 learners from the Dadaab refugee camp, highlighting the initiative’s reach to some of the region’s most vulnerable communities.

The programme, rolled out by the Ministry of Education through the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, is designed to shield needy learners from rising secondary school costs.

At the official send-off at NEP Girls High School in Garissa town, JKF Garissa county coordinator Nelson Oloo explained that the scholarship covers tuition, uniforms, personal effects, pocket money, and transport to and from school.

Oloo said the selection process was rigorous and merit-based. “Only learners who attained five points and above and come from vulnerable households, including learners with disabilities, were considered,” he said.

He added that mentorship and continuous monitoring would complement financial support, fostering discipline and academic excellence throughout the school year.

Deputy county commissioner Sebastian Okiring praised the scholarship for helping achieve full transition to secondary school, particularly for students already receiving government support.

Garissa county received 884 slots, making it one of the largest beneficiaries nationwide.

Okiring encouraged parents and guardians to stay involved, noting that government assistance works best when families actively support their children.

For students like Marian Abdi Mohamed, the scholarshiplife-changing. After finishing junior secondary at Garissa Primary School, Marian had been admitted to Makueni Girls but could not afford the costs and had almost resigned herself to staying home.

“Being selected has given me a second chance, and I am determined to make the most of it,” she said. Marian now hopes to inspire other girls in her community, proving that school dropouts are not inevitable.

Similarly, Abdiaz Mohamed, who had earned placement at Garissa High School, described the scholarship as a lifeline. “It transformed what seemed like an impossible dream into a reality,” he said, expressing gratitude for the opportunity to continue his education.

With the Elimu Scholarship Programme, hope has returned to students and families across Garissa, offering a clear pathway toward education, empowerment, and a brighter future.

 Instant analysis

The Elimu Scholarship Programme is a transformative initiative for Garissa county, addressing both financial barriers and educational inequality. By supporting 1,129 Grade 10 students, including 245 from the Dadaab refugee camp, the programme ensures that vulnerable learners continue their education without disruption. Beyond tuition support, the inclusion of mentorship, monitoring, and essential school supplies promotes academic excellence and discipline. The initiative also empowers girls like Marian Abdi Mohamed, challenging societal norms that limit female education. By enabling access to senior secondary school, the scholarship not only improves individual prospects but also strengthens community development, economic opportunities, and social cohesion across the region.