Two Turkana Students Secure Life-Changing Scholarships After Missing School Opening Day
Lodwar, 27 January 2026
Two academically gifted boys from remote Turkana villages who couldn’t afford to attend top-ranked secondary schools despite earning admission have received full scholarships worth part of KCB Foundation’s £4.6 million nationwide education commitment. The students from Nayuu and Nakuluja villages had missed their first day at Butere Boys High School and Ambira Boys High School due to financial constraints, highlighting educational access challenges in Kenya’s second-largest county.
Strategic Selection Process Targets Vulnerable Communities
The KCB Foundation’s intervention on 26 January 2026 represents a targeted approach to educational equity, with the Lodwar KCB Branch reserving two specific slots for Turkana County students [1]. The selection process evaluated candidates based on household income, academic performance, and family circumstances, ensuring resources reached those most in need [1]. Humphrey Chemiat, Lodwar KCB Branch Manager, emphasised the inclusive nature of the programme: ‘In the spirit of ensuring that the scholarship award is all inclusive, the KCB Foundation had reserved two slots for Turkana through the Lodwar KCB Branch’ [1]. The selection team consulted extensively with county leadership whilst maintaining strict adherence to established criteria [1].
Part of Nationwide £4.6 Million Educational Investment
These scholarships form part of KCB Foundation’s substantial nationwide commitment unveiled on 20 January 2026, supporting up to 1,000 students with pledged funding of up to 600 million Kenyan shillings [1]. The comprehensive funding package covers school fees, stipends, uniforms, talent development programmes, and other essential educational requirements [1]. The two Turkana recipients bring the total number of KCB Foundation beneficiaries for grade ten to 17 students in 2026 [1]. The foundation’s distribution strategy intentionally includes teen mothers, learners living with disabilities, and those from families experiencing financial vulnerabilities, demonstrating commitment to inclusive education access [1].
County Leadership Acknowledges Long-Standing Partnership
Dr Audan Leah Lokaala, Turkana County Executive Committee Member for Education, Sports and Social Protection, highlighted the foundation’s historical commitment to the region: ‘Apart from the current beneficiaries, the KCB Foundation has sponsored learners from Turkana to various levels of education before’ [1]. The county leadership expressed appreciation for partners committed to unlocking the potential of Turkana’s young population [1]. This partnership proves particularly significant as Turkana County Government works to establish local distribution of bursary and scholarship funds, with Turkana being among fewer than 20 devolved units that have signed necessary documentation to disburse such funds at county level [1].
Regional Context and Future Educational Access
The scholarships address educational access challenges in Turkana, Kenya’s second-largest county at 77,000 square kilometres, known for its scenic landscapes and rich culture but facing economic development challenges [1]. The intervention carries particular significance for communities surrounding Kakuma and Kalobeyei refugee camps, where educational opportunities can transform prospects for both host and displaced populations [GPT]. Governor Lomorukai’s administration is actively working towards ensuring bursary and scholarship funds are distributed by the County Government, with the CECM expressing optimism about positive outcomes from ongoing efforts [1]. The county leadership has appealed to other organisations to emulate the KCB Foundation by partnering with the department of education, recognising the critical need for sustained educational investment in the region [1].