President William Ruto has launched a Ksh500 million National Minority Scholarship Programme aimed at supporting children from indigent minority and marginalised communities to access quality education.

In a statement posted on Thursday, December 18, 2025, President Ruto said the government is committed to promoting inclusion, equity, and protection for historically underserved groups.

“This landmark policy will provide a clear legal and institutional framework for inclusion, protection, and equitable development,” President Ruto said.

The president said the programme seeks to create opportunities for minority and marginalised children to pursue secondary and tertiary education without financial barriers, adding that the initiative is part of the government’s efforts to ensure that all Kenyans, regardless of background, have access to educational resources and the chance to succeed.

“With immediate effect, we are establishing a KSh500 million National Minority Scholarship Programme to support children from indigent minority and marginalised communities to access quality secondary and tertiary education,” he added.

The scholarship fund is expected to cover tuition, learning materials, and other essential costs, giving students from disadvantaged backgrounds a platform to continue their studies without interruption.

The launch also sets a legal and institutional framework for sustained support, ensuring that the programme is not only immediate but also structured for long-term impact. This framework is designed to monitor the distribution of funds, track beneficiaries, and measure educational outcomes, reinforcing transparency and accountability in the implementation of the programme.

The National Minority Scholarship Programme is anticipated to benefit thousands of students across the country, particularly in areas where access to secondary and tertiary education has been limited.

Ruto’s free SHA for 200,000 marginalised Kenyans

The National Minority Scholarship Programme comes hours after the president launched free SHA cost cover for the marginalised and vulnerable groups drawn from minority and marginalised communities.

In a separate statement shared on X on Thursday, November 18, 2025, President Ruto said the government will cover the health insurance costs for the vulnerable Kenyans from minority and marginalised communities to ensure there is access to essential health care services for all.

“Government will pay Social Health Authority contributions for 200,000 vulnerable people drawn from minority and marginalised communities, ensuring access to essential healthcare services,” he stated