Under the Kenya Scholar Access Program (KenSAP), 22 Kenyan students have received scholarships worth $7.5 million from prestigious North American universities. These scholarships will allow them to attend top institutions such as Harvard, Princeton, Yale, Amherst, and Brown. Other universities include Claremont McKenna, Colgate, Dartmouth, Davidson, Hamilton, Middlebury, Northwestern, Smith, Tufts, the University of Pennsylvania, the University of Toronto, Wellesley, and Williams.
These students were among the top performers in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) class of 2023. KenSAP is dedicated to helping high-achieving Kenyan high school graduates from disadvantaged backgrounds. This program aims to open doors to the world’s best universities for bright Kenyan minds.
KenSAP covers the costs for students to participate in the residential university access program. Participating universities offer scholarship packages that cover tuition fees, accommodation, meals, travel, and other expenses. Principal Benefactor and Chairman of KenSAP’s Board of Directors, Charles Field-Marsham, highlighted the program’s impact. “By providing these exceptional students with the resources they need, we are not only investing in their futures but also in the future of the country and bringing bright Kenyan minds to places all across the world,” he said.
Each year, KenSAP selects 20 students from more than 1,000 highly qualified applicants. To even apply, candidates must rank among the top 1/10 of 1 percent of all test takers on the KCSE. The selection process is holistic, considering not just academic performance but also family background, extracurricular accomplishments, commitment to community development, and leadership potential.
Selected students undergo 20 weeks of residential training, which is free of charge. KenSAP covers all the attendance costs. During this training, students prepare for university entrance exams, attend American-style seminar courses, and learn about American universities. They are also guided through the complex university application process.
The scholarships are comprehensive, covering not only tuition but also accommodation, meals, and travel. This support allows students to focus on their academic pursuits without financial constraints. KenSAP’s mission goes beyond just providing financial support; it also offers guidance, mentoring, and support while the students are at university. This ensures they have everything they need to succeed.
“KenSAP has truly changed my life,” said one of the selected students. “I never imagined I would get the chance to study at a place like Harvard or Yale. This program has opened doors I never thought possible.”
KenSAP’s impact on the students and their families is profound. It offers them opportunities that were once out of reach. By sending these bright minds to top universities, KenSAP is also investing in the future of Kenya. The skills and knowledge these students gain will eventually benefit their home country.
KenSAP’s efforts do not stop at academic support. They are committed to developing well-rounded individuals who can contribute to their communities and the world. The program encourages students to develop leadership skills and a commitment to community development. This holistic approach ensures that the students are not only academically prepared but also ready to make a positive impact. KenSAP’s commitment to education and development is paving the way for a brighter future for Kenya.
