500M Minority Scholarship, Ruto
President William Ruto has just announced the launch of a Ksh500 million National Minority Scholarship Programme, designed to help children from marginalized and minority communities gain access to secondary and tertiary education.
He made this announcement on Thursday, December 18, 2025, at State House in Nairobi, during the unveiling of the National Policy on Ethnic Minorities and Marginalised Communities (2025–2035). This event coincided with Kenya’s recognition of the International Day for Minority Rights.
Addressing leaders and representatives from various minority groups across the nation, the President emphasized that the government is committed to swiftly implementing this new policy.
“Let this policy move from paper into lived reality,” Ruto said. “The immediate establishment of a Ksh500 million national minority scholarship programme will support children from indigenous minorities and marginalised communities to access education, ensuring that poverty is no longer a barrier to talent.”
Ruto mentioned that the program would collaborate with private sector players and development partners, emphasizing that education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycles of exclusion and poverty.
He reiterated his administration’s dedication to inclusion, dignity, and equality, stressing that no Kenyan should feel marginalized in the national development process due to their background or community.
The event at the State House brought together around 5,000 delegates from various minority and marginalized communities, representing at least 38 counties. Many attendees proudly donned traditional attire, celebrating the rich cultural diversity of Kenya.
Among the communities present were the Ogiek, El Molo, Rendille, Nubians, Makonde, Shona, Dasenach, and Sakuye, to name just a few. Officials hailed this gathering as one of the largest state engagements with minority groups in recent decades.
The new policy aims to tackle existing gaps and is in line with Article 56 of the Constitution, which mandates the government to implement affirmative action programs for marginalized groups.
Earlier at the same event, Gender and Culture Cabinet Secretary Hannah Wendot urged communities to abandon harmful cultural practices, particularly female genital mutilation (FGM).
Addressing the gathering, Wendot said FGM violates the law and continues to harm girls and women. She warned against attempts to justify the practice in the name of culture.
“Some people think they are helping God by removing parts of the body,” she said. “We want to be clear today – FGM must end.”
Wendot said the new policy gives the government a stronger framework to protect vulnerable groups while ensuring cultural practices remain lawful and responsible.
Head of Public Service Felix Koskei said the day served as a reminder of the country’s duty to ensure no community remains excluded.
“This day gives us an opportunity to reaffirm our commitment to inclusivity, equality and justice,” Koskei said. “Every community must enjoy equal access to opportunity, representation and dignity.”
500M Minority Scholarship, Ruto
