These scholarships will enable them to attend prestigious universities and colleges in the United States and Canada, including Ivy League schools like Harvard, Princeton, and Yale, as well as other top institutions such as Amherst, Brown, and the University of Toronto.
The scholars, who were recognized at the 5th KenSAP Annual Charity Dinner Gala in Nairobi, are among the top performers from the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) Class of 2023. They come from all 47 counties in Kenya and have overcome significant socioeconomic challenges.
KenSAP offers a comprehensive, free, six-month residential program that guides these students through the American university application process and prepares them for success in their academic endeavours abroad.
The scholarships cover all necessary expenses, including tuition, accommodation, meals, travel, and other costs, allowing the students to focus solely on their education.
Charles Field-Marsham, Principal Benefactor and Chairman of KenSAP’s Board of Directors, celebrated the students’ achievements during the gala, highlighting the program’s dedication to supporting Kenya’s brightest minds from disadvantaged backgrounds.
“KenSAP is a testament to our commitment to nurturing the brightest minds in Kenya from disadvantaged backgrounds. 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,” said Field-Marsham.
Alan Davidson, KenSAP’s current Executive Director, also addressed the scholars, congratulating them on their success and encouraging them to continue working hard to achieve their full potential.
“Your hard work has paid off – you have secured your spot at a top university, standing out from the hundreds of thousands of international applicants applying to the same schools from around the world. This achievement shows the potential of a true global citizen within you but there is still much hard work ahead of you to achieve your potential,” Davidson remarked.
KenSAP selects 20 students annually from a pool of over 1,000 applicants who rank in the top 0.1% of all KCSE test takers.
The selection process is holistic, taking into account academic performance, family background, extracurricular achievements, community involvement, and leadership potential. Once selected, students participate in a 20-week residential training program, fully funded by KenSAP.
This program prepares them for university entrance exams, American-style seminars, and the complex university application process. Since 2006, every KenSAP student has gained admission to a distinguished American college or university with full financial aid.
KenSAP continues to support its students even after they are admitted to university, providing pre-university internships in Kenya, extensive college readiness and orientation programs, and ongoing support through academic counseling and alumni mentorship.
The program also helps place alumni in rewarding jobs and internships in Kenya. Since its founding in 2004, more than 80 KenSAP graduates have returned to Kenya to work at leading companies and institutions.
The program was launched by Kenyatta University Professor Mike Boit and American journalist John Manners, with major financial backing from Charles Field-Marsham.
Over the years, KenSAP has shifted to a more sustainable fundraising approach, with alumni contributing significantly to the program’s budget. Currently, alumni fundraise nearly 20% of the annual budget, and have collectively donated more than $350,000.
Operating on an annual budget of approximately USD 300,000 (KES 39.3 million), KenSAP has facilitated over USD 87 million (KES 11.4 billion) in financial aid, enabling 295 Kenyan students to study in North American universities.
As KenSAP celebrates its 20th anniversary, it remains committed to promoting inclusive and equitable quality education in alignment with the UN Sustainable Development Goals, ensuring lifelong learning opportunities for all.
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