The KCB Foundation has been instrumental in providing opportunities for persons with disabilities (PWDs) in Kenya. With close to one million Kenyans living with some form of disability about 2.5 per cent of the population this initiative is crucial in addressing the challenges faced by this marginalized group. A substantial number of PWDs reside in rural areas, and women make up more than half of this demographic. The lack of access to special facilities and support systems only exacerbates their plight, particularly in informal settlements where opportunities are even scarcer.
Meet Michael Kimeu, a young man whose life story exemplifies the impact of KCB Foundation’s programs. Diagnosed with a disability from birth, Michael grew up in Masaku and attended Masaku School for the Physically Challenged, where he completed his primary education in 2016. Unfortunately, his family faced financial challenges following his father’s accident, which made it impossible for him to pursue secondary education. However, Michael’s life took a turn for the better when his former principal guided his family to the KCB Foundation’s scholarship program. Michael was offered a spot, allowing him to attend Kathonzweni Boys’ High School through the Foundation’s support, which covered his school fees, upkeep, mentorship, and psychosocial support.
Despite Kathonzweni Boys’ High School not being designed to accommodate students with physical disabilities, the school made adjustments to accommodate Michael, allowing him to interact with his able-bodied peers in a mainstream setting a critical aspect of his development. His success at KCSE was a testament to the impact of the support he received, enabling him to transition seamlessly to university.
The KCB Foundation’s University Scholarship and Apprenticeship program launched in 2021 aims to empower exceptional students through mentorship and work experience after secondary school. Michael was selected to participate due to his outstanding KCSE performance, joining Dedan Kimathi University of Technology to pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Information Technology. Upon graduation in December 2023, he was not only equipped with a degree but also with vital work experience gained through a bank apprenticeship, which he completed at KCB’s Kencom House in Nairobi. His role in the technology department involves assisting with IT network issues, demonstrating his ability to thrive in the digital space despite his disability.
The KCB Foundation’s impact is broader than just individual stories like Michael’s. The Foundation’s scholarship program, established in 2007, has reached over 5,750 students across 537 secondary schools in Kenya, disbursing up to Sh2 billion in school fees. An evaluation in 2022 led to an expansion, increasing the intake from 240 to 1,000 students annually, with 100 slots specifically for PWDs. This expansion underscores KCB’s commitment to inclusion and accessibility in education. Additionally, partnerships with the National Council for Persons with Disability, the Kenya Institute of Special Education, and Elimisha Watoto Foundation further extend this mission, ensuring that PWDs have the necessary assistive devices and support systems in place.
To institutionalize the inclusion of PWDs in the workplace, KCB Bank has implemented several initiatives. A recent report by the Kenya Bankers Association highlighted that only 1 per cent of employees in the banking sector are PWDs, and only 0.5 per cent of PWDs are financially included in Kenya. KCB is addressing this gap by setting aside slots for PWDs in its recruitment policy, aiming for a target of hiring 1 per cent of its workforce from this demographic by 2025. Moreover, KCB reserves slots for PWD suppliers in its sourcing policy, ensuring that at least 10 per cent of its suppliers are from this group.
Michael’s story and the KCB Foundation’s initiatives are part of a broader effort to unlock opportunities for PWDs, providing them with the necessary resources to lead fulfilling lives. Through education, mentorship, and job placements, KCB Foundation is creating a pathway to inclusion, breaking down barriers, and enabling PWDs to achieve their full potential in society. As the Foundation continues its mission, it sets a benchmark for other institutions to follow, ensuring that no one is left behind in Kenya’s development agenda.
