(Left) I&M Bank Regional CEO Kihara Maina signs a dummy cheque (Right)Palmhouse Foundation Managing Director and Founder Eric Kimathi
The I&M Foundation has reaffirmed its partnership with Palmhouse Foundation, committing KES 30 million in scholarships to support 100 students transitioning to senior secondary school over the next three academic years.
The announcement was made on Monday during the 2026 Senior School Send-Off Event in Nairobi. The funding will be disbursed over three academic years, from 2026 to 2028, and marks the largest single cohort of students supported by the I&M Foundation since the partnership began in 2020.
The scholarship programme targets bright and needy students from disadvantaged backgrounds and will cover tuition fees, school uniforms, mentorship, and school visits throughout Grades 10 to 12. Beyond financial support, the initiative provides holistic interventions such as career guidance and mentorship to ensure smooth transition into senior secondary school under the new education system.
Speaking at the event, I&M Regional CEO and Interim CEO of I&M Bank Kenya, Kihara Maina, said the Foundation’s investment reflects its belief in education as a driver of sustainable development.
“At I&M Bank, we believe our growth is closely linked to the progress of the communities we serve. That is why we commit 2 per cent of our profits to the I&M Foundation, with 30 per cent of this allocation directed towards education. Education remains the most powerful catalyst for long-term social and economic transformation,” he said.
Maina noted that the partnership with Palmhouse Foundation has played a critical role in shaping the futures of young learners over the past six years, adding that the new commitment ensures no talented student is left behind due to financial constraints, especially as the education landscape continues to evolve.
Since its inception, the collaboration has supported 305 students, with 122 currently enrolled in the programme. The initiative has adapted over time, transitioning from the 8-4-4 system to the CBC model, which introduces specialised senior secondary school pathways.
Palmhouse Foundation Chairman Eric Kimani said the rising cost of education under the new system has made such partnerships increasingly vital.
“As tuition and boarding costs rise with the introduction of specialised senior school programmes, the continued support from I&M Foundation ensures that the transition from junior to senior secondary school remains seamless for the most vulnerable yet capable students in our society,” Kimani said.
Under the CBC, senior secondary education is structured into three-year specialised programmes focusing on STEM, Social Sciences, and Arts and Sports, designed to prepare learners for tertiary education or entry into the workforce.
The partners noted that targeted financial and mentorship support is now more critical than ever to enable high-potential students to thrive.
Education and skills development remain a core pillar of the I&M Foundation’s social impact agenda, aligned with national education priorities and its broader commitment to community development.