In Kenya’s drylands, bright but underprivileged students are rewriting their futures with KDEF Scholars. With backpacks full of dreams and hearts brimming with hope, they embark on their high school journey—many for the first time away from home.
Sponsor a KDEF Scholar FAQs
With the support of individual donors and foundation grants, KDEF provides promising students with three years of secondary school education at a high-quality boarding school, along with one year of post high school education.
01 How Much Does Sponsorship Cost?
A KDEF scholarship covering three years of secondary education and one year of support towards college/university costs $4,000 ($1,000 per year for four years).
02 What’s Included in the Sponsorship?
Your sponsorship covers:
✔ Full tuition, room, and board
✔ Uniforms, shoes, and school supplies
✔ Books and essential personal items
✔ School performance monitoring and home visits
✔ Post Graduation guidance
03 Why Only Three Years of High School?
As of January 2025, the Kenyan government has restructured the education system. The previous 8-4-4 system (eight years of primary school and four years of high school) has been replaced with a competency-based curriculum (CBC):
• 6 years of primary school
• 3 years of junior secondary school
• 3 years of senior high school
04 Why Boarding Schools?
Boarding schools offer students the best possible environment for academic success by providing:
✔ Structured study time and proper lighting—critical for learning, especially in regions without reliable electricity.
✔ A distraction-free setting—without household chores, students can focus entirely on their education.
✔ Three nutritious meals a day—unlike the typical meal in the drylands, which is often just bread and tea once a day.
✔ Onsite health care services—ensuring students stay healthy and receive medical attention when needed.
✔ A safe haven for girls—protecting them from early marriage and family pressures.
05 Who Can Attend Boarding Schools?
Our rigorous selection process is open to both boys and girls at the primary and junior secondary school levels. Each participating school nominates two students, and one is selected based on:
✅ Academic performance – Continuous assessment tests and acquired skills
✅ Behavior and effort – Demonstrated discipline and commitment
✅ Attendance – Consistency in school participation
✅ Financial need – Ensuring scholarships go to those who need them most
✅ Interview with the KDEF team – Evaluating communication skills and potential
06 Who Will I Sponsor?
Once your sponsorship is confirmed, we’ll send you a photo and profile of your student. Each year, your sponsored student will write to you, sharing updates on their academic progress and experiences.
By sponsoring a student, you are changing a life and helping to shape the future of young leaders in Kenya’s drylands. Your support also contributes to the economic growth of marginalized communities.
Our High School Students
