KCB Foundation Launches Scholarship Programme for Medical Students in South Sudan
KCB Foundation has launched its KCB Scholars Programme in South Sudan, awarding scholarships to 50 third-year medical students at the University of Juba as part of efforts to expand access to higher education and strengthen the country’s health workforce.
The inaugural group comprises 30 male and 20 female students, who will receive support to complete their medical training and progress towards professional careers in the health sector.
Speaking during the launch at the University of Juba, KCB Foundation Managing Director Mendi Njonjo said the scholarships would help address the country’s shortage of skilled health professionals.
«“South Sudan needs a strong, skilled and committed health workforce. These scholarships will therefore go a long way in enabling young South Sudanese men and women to acquire skills that their country urgently needs.”»
Low Access to Higher Education
The scholarship programme comes as South Sudan continues to face significant challenges in accessing higher education.
According to UNESCO, the country’s gross enrolment ratio in tertiary education stands at approximately 2.5 per cent, making it one of the lowest in the world. This means fewer than three out of every 100 young people of university age are enrolled in higher education.
South Sudan has only seven public and private universities serving a population of more than 12 million people. Limited infrastructure, funding and academic capacity have continued to restrict access to university education.
The challenges have also contributed to a shortage of skilled professionals, particularly in healthcare, engineering and education, increasing the need for targeted scholarship programmes that enable talented students to complete their studies.
Programme Expands Beyond Kenya
The KCB Scholars Programme was established in Kenya in 2007 and has since supported thousands of financially disadvantaged learners.
According to KCB Foundation, the programme has awarded more than 7,000 secondary school scholarships and over 600 tertiary scholarships, with a 99 per cent secondary school completion rate and an 84 per cent transition rate to university and college.
The South Sudan government welcomed the partnership, saying investment in education would help equip young people with the skills and knowledge needed to contribute to national development.
The Undersecretary in the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, Hon. Omot Okony Olok Guon, said the government appreciates KCB Foundation’s support in expanding access to higher education.
Addressing Health Workforce Shortage
The initiative also targets a critical gap in South Sudan’s healthcare sector.
The country has approximately 7.6 skilled health workers for every 10,000 people, significantly below the World Health Organization-recommended threshold of 45.5 health workers per 10,000 people required to achieve universal health coverage, according to a 2025 analysis published by the South Sudan Medical Journal.
KCB Foundation says it will continue pursuing partnerships aimed at expanding access to education, skills development and economic opportunities across the region, with a focus on sustainable livelihoods and long-term community impact.
