22 KenSAP Students Secure $7.5 Million in Scholarships to Top U.S. Universities

Twenty-two students from the Kenya Scholar Access Program (KenSAP) have been awarded scholarships worth USD 7.5 million (KES 980 million) for the 2024 academic year. These scholarships will enable the students to attend prestigious American universities and colleges, including Ivy League institutions.

The announcement was made during the 5th KenSAP Annual Charity Dinner Gala in Nairobi, where the scholars were celebrated for their academic achievements. The students, selected from the top performers of the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE), hail from underprivileged backgrounds across Kenya’s 47 counties.

The universities offering scholarships include Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Amherst, Brown, Claremont McKenna, Colgate, Dartmouth, Davidson, Hamilton, Middlebury, Northwestern, Smith, Tufts, University of Pennsylvania, University of Toronto, Wellesley, and Williams. These scholarships cover tuition, accommodation, meals, travel, and other expenses, allowing the scholars to focus on their studies without financial worries.

KenSAP’s comprehensive support continues beyond admissions. The program, which includes a free six-month residential training for university preparation, provides ongoing mentorship and guidance throughout the students’ university education.

Charles Field-Marsham, KenSAP’s Principal Benefactor and Chairman, emphasized the program’s impact: “KenSAP nurtures the brightest minds from disadvantaged backgrounds, investing in their futures and the country’s future by bringing bright Kenyan minds to global institutions.”

Alan Davidson, KenSAP’s Executive Director, congratulated the scholars: “Your hard work has secured your place at top universities, standing out among international applicants. This achievement marks the potential of a true global citizen.”

KenSAP, founded in 2004 by Professor Mike Boit and American journalist John Manners, has helped 295 Kenyan students secure over USD 87 million in scholarships. The program’s holistic selection process considers academic performance, family background, extracurricular achievements, community commitment, and leadership potential.

With an annual budget of USD 300,000 (KES 39.3 million), KenSAP relies on alumni donations, which contribute nearly 20% of the budget, and support from Kenyan corporates. As KenSAP celebrates its 20th anniversary, it continues to align with the UN Sustainable Development Goals to promote inclusive and equitable quality education for all.