Did you know that there are higher education scholarship programs in Kenya, funded by organizations from outside the country? Check them out below!
Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI)
- The Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI) is a program that was launched by the United States government in 2010 to support and empower young African leaders. This initiative aims to invest in the next generation of African leaders, equipping them with skills that will help them drive economic growth, enhance democratic governance, and strengthen civil society structures.
YALI has three components as follows:
1. Mandela Washington Fellowship
- The Mandela Washington Fellowship targets young African leaders who have a proven record of leadership. Since its inception in 2014, almost 6,500 young leaders from every country in Sub-Saharan Africa have benefitted from this fellowship.
- The Fellows participate in six-week Leadership Institutes where they study Public Management, Civic Engagement, or Business. These programs are hosted by U.S. colleges and universities.
To qualify for this US government-funded fellowship, young African leaders should:
- be between the ages of 25 and 35 by the application deadline;
- not be U.S. citizens or permanent residents of the United States;
- be eligible to receive a United States J-1 visa;
- not be employees or immediate family members of employees of the U.S. Government (including a U.S. embassy or consulate, USAID, or any other U.S. Government entity).
Selection Criteria
- Commitment to public or community service
- A proven record of leadership and accomplishment in business or entrepreneurship
- Commitment to return to one’s home country to serve one’s community.
2. YALI NETWORK
- The YALI Network is a vibrant online community where young African leaders learn how to effect change around important issues in their communities. This network also enables them to improve their leadership skills using online training, virtual resources, and networking opportunities. This rapidly growing community currently has around 640,000 members.
- Benefits of joining the YALI Network include networking, skill development, visibility and recognition, support, and resources.
Components of the YALI Network
These include:
- Online courses and training (Leadership and Civic Engagement, Public Management and Business and Entrepreneurship)
- YALI Network Online Platform (Resource library, discussion forums, and events/webinars)
- YALI Network Communities (Local YALI Network Chapters and online groups)
- Challenges and Contests (Innovation challenges and storytelling competitions)
- Networking and Collaboration (Professional networking and collaborative projects)
- News and Updates (Newsletter and success stories)
3. YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa
- The YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa is located at Kenyatta University in Nairobi, Kenya. It serves as a hub for leadership training, networking, and professional development for young leaders from 14 East and Central African countries. This Center is overseen by Kenyatta University and is supported by a growing number of African and international partners.
- Entry into the YALI Regional Leadership Center East Africa is merit-based and open to young East African leaders who are committed to driving positive change in their home countries.
- Participants selected from this program engage in leadership training across three tracks of study, i.e. Civic Leadership, Public Management, and Business and Entrepreneurship. The participants benefit from programs combining classroom-based learning with experiential activities and mentoring that are designed to foster leadership growth and enhance their skills and impact.
- Graduates of this 4-week residential program become part of a growing network of YALI alumni committed to collaboration towards developing innovative solutions for regional challenges and driving positive change within Africa.
Here is a list of other higher education scholarship programmes in Kenya.
Aga Khan Foundation International Scholarship Programme
- The Aga Khan Foundation’s International Scholarship Programme (AKF ISP) provides an opportunity for outstanding scholars to pursue postgraduate education. These scholars are selected from Afghanistan, Bangladesh, Egypt, India, Kenya, Kyrgyz Republic, Madagascar, Mozambique, Pakistan, Syria, Tajikistan, Tanzania, and Uganda.
- Recipients of this scholarship should be able to prove that they have no other means of financing their studies.
- The ISP awards are disbursed on a half grant and half loan basis, meaning that the recipient is required to repay 50 percent of the award amount.
- All Master’s study scholarships are granted for the entire duration of the degree course.
Eligibility Requirements
To qualify for this scholarship, you should have:
- have excellent academic records;
- be originally from one of the selected countries listed above;
- hold a Bachelor’s degree or equivalent training/professional experience;
- demonstrate genuine financial need;
- demonstrate a thoughtful, reliable, multi-source funding plan that covers all years of study;
- be admitted to a reputable postgraduate institution.
African Canadian Continuing Education Society (ACCES)
- Since, 1993, the African Canadian Continuing Education Society (ACCES) has provided scholarships to underprivileged post-secondary students in Kenya.
- The mission of this registered charity is to alleviate poverty through the provision of education. It provides partial scholarships to bright Kenyan students from vulnerable backgrounds, thus ensuring that they complete their tertiary studies.
- The Wells Mountain Initiative (WMI) is one of the higher education scholarship programmes in Kenya. It provides educational scholarships to highly motivated and community-minded young people who are pursuing undergraduate degrees in high-need sectors but lack the financial resources needed to complete their studies.
- WMI Scholars receive funding for their undergraduate education, career counseling, flexible tuition support, and skill-building opportunities.
- Recipients of these scholarships pursue degrees in courses that will benefit the growth of their local communities and countries. These include law, engineering, community development, education, medicine, and information technology, among others.
Windle International Kenya Tertiary Education Programme
- Windle International Kenya (WIK), with the support of different donors, offers tertiary education scholarships to deserving students. These scholarships are offered at the certificate, diploma, degree and post-graduate levels.
- The eligibility criteria for these scholarships include:
- Academic qualifications
- Demonstration of financial need
- Community service
- Age
- The scholarships are provided in training institutions in Kenya, Canada, and the United Kingdom. Scholarship slots are limited, making the awarding process very competitive.
- The scholarship benefits, depending on the scholarship program, include university/college placements, payment of tuition and related fees, and remitting of stipends to the successful applicants for their living expenses (where applicable).
The higher education scholarship programmes in Kenya listed above provide options for talented students who are not able to pursue tertiary studies to develop academically and professionally.
LYDIAH GATHONI says
Lydiah Gathoni Kinuthia are my official names and currently a first year student at Kenyatta University here in Kenya pursuing a Bachelors degree in Economics and Finance. Earlier in the year 2010, I did a Diploma course in Human Resource Management at the Moi University – The Bakhita Campus in Kitale , Kenya and obtained a DISTINCTION. Between 2006 and 2009 I was at Limuru Girls School for my Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education and obtained a mean grade of A-.
Since I was young, I’ve always had a dream of becoming an Accountant. Driving past our small town where we lived, my imagination would often be captured by the beautiful houses that lined the streets and it was then when I realized that I wanted to become an Accountant so I could own one. As I grew up and particularly during my high school time, I naturally excelled in subjects like Mathematics and Physics but did not fare so well in subject like Chemistry.
I guess from early on I could see that I had a leaning towards Mathematics as you shall find in my high school academic transcript on request. I know a number of peers who have done their work until university and are still unsure of what career goals they want to pursue, but for myself I knew early on that I wanted to become a competent Accountant. I was also an active member of Mathematics, Science, Environmental and Science Congress Clubs during my days in high school.
Academics alone did not shape who I am today. In school, I was also active in sports and served in the sports committee. The sports taught me invaluable lessons on life and learning. Values like independence, leadership and discipline have all been imparted into me through joining the sports. Lessons like these could only be learnt outside the confines of the classroom doors.
One of the strongest influences that I have in my life is my family. My family is made up of my parents and a brother. My family puts great value on us for having a proper education. My dad came from a humble beginning, only to become a field officer when he graduated from a local agricultural tertiary college here in Kenya . My dad never had the chance and opportunity to pursue a degree course in university but given a chance he is ready to go back to class.
Yet, despite his lack of university education, my dad had a drive to succeed in life and to provide an education to us. My dad is currently on contractual employment at a seed firm and has achieved much when it comes to taking us to school. When my parents had me and my brother, they made it their goal to give us the best education they could afford. Early on, they both instilled in us the importance and value of education in life and future.
As I grew up and saw how much sweat, toils and tears they put into sending me and my brother to school, I desired to excel in my studies. Even as I am now pursuing the four years Bachelors Degree in Economics and Finance course, I know it is a great burden and sacrifice on my parent’s part to send me to university to study. Yet I believe that they have the hope in me that I will achieve what they could not; a better education and a better life, for every generation should live better than the last.
I believe that I am indeed privileged to get the opportunity to study for the course as I am the first person in my extended family to pursue a Degree course.
Being in one of the best universities in Kenya , I certainly gain a lot in terms of my academic studies and achievements. Yet to say that all I gain from my study is just intellect would be to ignore the other facets of my education. Education is not about intellect alone, but also about the shaping and maturity of one’s character. I have never travelled overseas, therefore when I first came to college it was a very new, exciting and a bit scary experience for me. The university culture differs somewhat from the High School culture and it took some time for me to adjust to it. One thing that really challenged me was my ability to communicate with more mature people.
That itself was a mountain that I had to overcome and conquer. After 6 weeks of study at the college, I can look back and confidently say that my self-esteem in terms of my communication with mature people has been increasing by leaps and bounds. I guess it was my frequent interaction with them during lectures, group assignments and social gatherings that have enabled me to bridge the communication barrier that had held me back before this.
I’ve always wanted to become an Accountant since I know I will achieve that goal, I am setting my eyes on something bigger now, to take the Certified Public Accountant (CPA – K) course during my free time. After a few years of establishing myself working at an Accounting firm, I one day intend to open my own Accounting firm, one that handles not only local projects but also international.
Becoming successful in terms of just the size of my company and wealth is just one aspect. The term ‘With great power comes great responsibility’ which has been made popular by the Spiderman movies comes into mind as I want to give back a portion of my success to the community and society at large. I hope to be able to contribute my services as an Accountant to help out people who have not been so fortunate like I am soon to be.
My parents did not start with much but accomplished a lot; therefore I myself too want to be independent and not rely too much on them. Some of my peers may take varsity life as a time to party and have fun, and personally I have nothing against that, but I see life not just at this present time but also try to plan for my future.
Sometimes it breaks my heart when I see the kind of trouble my parents go through to have me and my brother get the best education and food on the table. When I finish my education and get a good job, I will ensure my parents enjoy some comfort in old age. This I promise them.
I believe that getting a good education and good grades will give me a good springboard to launch my corporate career. Hard times will definitely come, but I believe that perseverance and a belief in Jehovah God will get me through it all. In summary though I will be 20 years old by December 2011, I am no longer able to support my university studies due to financial constraints and that my family financial needs continue to grow as my brother is also in primary school and is to join high school come the year 2012.
In view of this, I would like to request your good office for financial assistance or link me to any organisation you think can be of help to me so that I can raise Ksh 50,000/= (Equivalent of $550) per one academic year and reading materials so I could be able to continue my degree studies. This is not only for my professional growth but also to upgrade and enhance my skills to suit the dynamic changing system.
I can be contacted on my dad’s cell phone number +254 722 368 848 or through his email address berrykn@yahoo.com.
Before I end off, I would like to express gratitude to USAID HIGHER EDUCATION SCHOLARSHIP PROGRAMME for giving many applicants due consideration.
I am hoping for your positive response about the matter.
Best regards and thank you very much.
Sincerely yours,
(Signed)
Lydiah Gathoni Kinuthia
milkah wangari njoro says
i am twenty three years old finished my diploma course in information communication technology in michuki technical training college . i come poor background and my parent have been sick i want to join kenyatta university to purse adegree course in information technology .please help idont have money to go.my address is njoro.milkah@yahoo.com. thanks in advance
Paul Aberi Makinda says
Dear Sponsor
Hi, Im a 25 year old Kenyan citizen, I completed my form four in the year 2005 with a meangrade of C+. Since then i’ve been working in different organisations due to lack of finances to prosper with my studies.
Recently I got lucky, my mother borrowed a loan and I got to join Egerton University for Bachelor in communications and media. My mother is a primary school teacher and by her self she cannot raise the money needed to see me through the entire course. I just started the course this September.
I kindly request you to sponsor or reinforce me in my studies through University.
Yours faithfully
Paul Aberi Makinda
Mike koech says
Iam a kenyan gentleman from a humble family in rift valley province i sat for my kcse in the year 2000 and my parents has been unable to educate me further. Bearing in mind that it was a hard nut to crack for my parents to get me where iam now,iam in dire need for a voluntary work with you as you help me persue my studies. thank you people. MIKE CHERUIYOT.
Alex Otieno says
I am 21yrs old.Kenyan by birth i did my Kenya Certificate of Secodary Education (KCSE) last year(2011) and obtained agrade of C+ of 51points which qualified me achance for university but due to lack of money i am unable to join please anybody willing to help me no matter where i’ll do my studies am ready to receive your help here my contacts +254722164299 or E-mail address am.alex@hotmail.co.uk may God bless you.