The Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Foundation has officially opened the gates for the 2026 Inuka Scholarship, a specialized lifeline targeting one of the country’s most marginalized demographics: learners with disabilities transitioning to Senior School. With interviews kicking off this week, the race is on to identify the most deserving students from the 2025 KJSEA cohort.

The scholarship is a targeted intervention designed to bridge the gap for children who face the double tragedy of disability and poverty. Unlike generic bursaries, Inuka is strictly ring-fenced for learners registered with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD). The foundation has deployed teams to all 47 counties, turning County Commissioners’ boardrooms into vetting hubs where academic merit meets verified need.

The "Meeting Expectation" Threshold

To qualify, applicants must have sat the 2025 Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) and achieved a performance level of "Meeting Expectation" or "Exceeding Expectation." This criterion ensures that the scholarship rewards academic resilience. "We are looking for fighters," said a KPC Foundation trustee in Nairobi. "Children who, despite physical or sensory challenges, have refused to let their grades slip."

The selection process is rigorous. Applicants must present original birth certificates, result slips, and, crucially, NCPWD registration cards. The vetting panels are tasked with weeding out imposters to ensure the funds reach those who truly need assistive devices, specialized learning materials, and full tuition coverage.

• Regional Balance: The program guarantees that at least two students (one boy and one girl) from every county will benefit, ensuring that a child in Mandera has the same shot at success as one in Kiambu.
• The Interview Circuit: Interviews are currently running from 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM at designated county headquarters. Parents are urged to accompany their children, as the holistic assessment considers the family's economic vulnerability.

Beyond Tuition

The Inuka model recognizes that for a child with a disability, school fees are just one hurdle. The scholarship package often includes provisions for personal effects and transport, acknowledging the higher cost of living associated with managing disabilities. As the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) moves into the Senior School phase, this support is critical in preventing dropout rates among special needs learners.

For the hundreds of hopefuls lining up outside government offices this week, the Inuka Scholarship is not just money; it is validation that their potential is seen, valued, and worth investing in.