Nairobi County Rolls Out Scholarship Program for Top Students in Slums

Nairobi County, under Governor Johnson Sakaja, has unveiled a landmark KSh 857 million bursary and scholarship initiative aimed at supporting bright but financially challenged students—especially those from informal settlement areas. The programme is designed to provide comprehensive financial aid to academically gifted learners in Nairobi’s slums, enabling them to access and complete secondary education without the burden of school fees and related costs.
Under the scheme, each of Nairobi’s 85 wards will receive KSh 7 million annually to fund scholarships for needy students, representing a significant increase in the county’s educational support. County officials have emphasized that the vetting process for beneficiaries will be rigorous, with committees reviewing academic performance, financial need and other relevant criteria to ensure transparency.
In parallel, local NGOs are also contributing to the push for education equity. For instance, Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO) awarded full scholarships to 1,400 disadvantaged students from Nairobi’s informal settlements across all 17 sub-counties in December 2024, covering full school fees, uniforms and support for teenage mothers. Meanwhile, Mathare Community Outreach (MCO) has introduced a vocational scholarship programme for graduates from Mathare Valley and Kariobangi slums who may not be eligible for university but wish to pursue certificate or diploma courses.
Reactions in the education and community sectors have been overwhelmingly positive. Parents and students alike say the initiative offers much-needed hope and opportunity in some of Nairobi’s most underserved areas. Education advocates, however, emphasize that for the programme to truly make a difference, it must be accompanied by strong mentorship and regular follow-up to ensure students not only access education but thrive in it.