Fifty medical students at the University of Juba in South Sudan are set to benefit from a new scholarship programme aimed at addressing the country’s shortage of skilled health workers.
The KCB Foundation has launched its KCB Scholars Programme in South Sudan, awarding scholarships to third-year medical students 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 financial support to complete their medical training and prepare for careers in the health sector.
Speaking during the launch at the University of Juba on Monday, KCB Foundation Managing Director Mendi Njonjo said: “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.”
The programme comes as South Sudan continues to face major challenges in access to higher education. UNESCO estimates that only about 2.5 per cent of the country’s university-age population is enrolled in tertiary education.
South Sudan has seven public and private universities serving a population of more than 12 million people. Limited infrastructure, funding and academic capacity continue to restrict access to university education.
The challenges have contributed to shortages of skilled professionals, particularly in healthcare, engineering and education.
The KCB Scholars Programme was launched in Kenya in 2007 and has since supported thousands of financially disadvantaged students.
According to KCB Foundation, the programme has awarded more than 7,000 secondary school scholarships and over 600 tertiary scholarships.
The programme has recorded a 99 per cent secondary school completion rate and an 84 per cent transition rate to university and college.
The South Sudanese government welcomed the partnership, saying investment in education was critical to the country’s future.
“The Government of South Sudan appreciates the partnership with KCB Foundation in supporting our young people to access higher education. Investing in education is investing in the future of our country, and initiatives such as this provide young South Sudanese with the skills and knowledge they need to contribute to national development,” said the Undersecretary in the Ministry of General Education and Instruction, Omot Okony Olok Guon.
South Sudan also faces a significant shortage of health workers.
A 2025 analysis published by the South Sudan Medical Journal estimates the country has about 7.6 skilled health workers for every 10,000 people, far below the World Health Organization’s recommended 45.5 per 10,000 needed to achieve universal health coverage.
KCB Foundation says it will continue working with partners to expand access to education, skills development and economic opportunities across the region.