The Financial Aid Office of Kenyatta University was established in February 2009. The establishment of FAO was buttressed by the fact that access to Higher Education in Kenya is very expensive and only students with reasonable income can afford to meet the cost. A significant proportion of self-sponsored students from extreme poverty backgrounds are unable to meet the cost of university education. 

The establishment is buttressed by the fact that access to Higher Education in Kenya is very expensive and only students with reasonable income can afford to meet the cost. A significant proportion of self-sponsored students are from extreme poverty backgrounds hence unable to meet the cost of university education. Moreover, approximately, 3% of Kenya’s population comprises of persons with various forms of disabilities (National Disability office in Nairobi). It is the desire of KU to have this proportion reflected in institutions of higher learning. Gender parity in higher institutions is a subject of great concern as most African families still prefer to educate boys in case of scarcity of finances. Besides, HIV/AIDS epidemic has increased the number of orphans and compounded the problem further. Hence the deliberate measures put in place through the FAO to support these vulnerable groups to acquire higher education that will enable them take their place in society and reduce their dependence on society. 

The office has the mandate to mobilize for funds in order to offer scholarships to the Orphans and Vulnerable Students (OVS). The scholarships enable the less privileged but deserving students to access and pursue higher education. The scholarships cover tuition only, thus the reason why they are referred to as Partial Scholarships. Further, in 2014, Kenyatta University entered into a collaborative venture with the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). This partnership initiative has enabled students under the scholarship program to receive loans from HELB.

The office advertises for the scholarships every year, in either May or June.

 Financial Aid Office of Kenyatta University of Kenyatta University was established in February 2009. The establishment of FAO was buttressed by the fact that access to Higher Education in Kenya is very expensive and only students with reasonable income can afford to meet the cost. A significant proportion of self-sponsored students from extreme poverty backgrounds are unable to meet the cost of university education. 

The establishment of FAO is buttressed by the fact that access to Higher Education in Kenya is very expensive and only students with reasonable income can afford to meet the cost. A significant proportion of self-sponsored students are from extreme poverty backgrounds hence unable to meet the cost of university education. Moreover, approximately, 3% of Kenya’s population comprises of persons with various forms of disabilities (National Disability office in Nairobi). It is the desire of KU to have this proportion reflected in institutions of higher learning. Gender parity in higher institutions is a subject of great concern as most African families still prefer to educate boys in case of scarcity of finances. Besides, HIV/AIDS epidemic has increased the number of orphans and compounded the problem further. Hence the deliberate measures put in place through the FAO to support these vulnerable groups to acquire higher education that will enable them take their place in society and reduce their dependence on society. 

The office has the mandate to mobilize for funds in order to offer scholarships to the Orphans and Vulnerable Students (OVS). The scholarships enable the less privileged but deserving students to access and pursue higher education. The scholarships cover tuition only, thus the reason why they are referred to as Partial Scholarships. Further, in 2014, Kenyatta University entered into a collaborative venture with the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). This partnership initiative has enabled students under the scholarship program to receive loans from HELB.

The office advertises for the scholarships every year, in either May or June.

Orphans and Vulnerable Students (OVS) Scholarship Fund

Investing in Humanity through the Orphans and Vulnerable Students (OVS) Scholarship Fund Kenyatta University lays emphasis in the societal development of an individual and as such has established the The Directorate of Financial Aid which administers the OVS Scholarship Fund to cater for the less privileged but deserving persons to pursue higher education at Kenyatta University.

Indeed this is in line with our philosophy statement; being, “sensitive and responsive to societal needs and the right of every person to knowledge”, Through the OVS Scholarship Fund, Kenyatta University has set out to make a difference by investing in the education of the orphans and vulnerable students to enable them take up their rightful places in the future and for posterity.

This initiative of the Vice-Chancellor has been necessitated by the current situation at Kenyatta University, where more than 4000 students are at risk of dropping out of the education system. Furthermore, data indicates that more than 75% of students who qualify for admissions to universities are locked out of the higher education system and left to pay for their own fees. These deserving young Kenyans still find it impossible to access higher education due to a number of reasons such as natural calamities (death of guardians), extreme poverty, lack of social support, and socio-cultural issues among others.

Vision

To be a dynamic and vibrant centre, holistically investing in humanity by providing financial support for education, equipping of life skills and nurturing talents of OVS at Kenyatta University.

Mission

Financial Aid Office will mobilize funds and other resources from benefactors and will ensure a sustainable financial base in order to facilitate the education of orphans and vulnerable students at Kenyatta University. 

Strategic Goal

Increase access to university education for orphans and vulnerable students through scholarships tenable at Kenyatta University.

 Strategic Objectives

 To oversee the award of OVS Scholarships using set criteria.

To establish a sustainable OVS Fund

To advice and direct students to other sources of financial assistance other than the OVS Fund

Target Beneficiaries 

The OVS Scholarships are awarded to orphans and vulnerable students who are unable to access university education due to financial challenges. These scholarships are awarded at the beginning of every academic year

MANDATE
Financial Aid Office has the mandate to mobilize for funds in order to offer scholarships to the Orphans and Vulnerable Students (OVS) in Kenyatta University. The scholarships enable the less privileged but deserving students to access and pursue higher education.

The scholarships cover tuition only, thus the reason why they are referred to as Partial Scholarships. Further, in 2014, Kenyatta University entered into a collaborative venture with the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB). This partnership initiative has enabled students under the scholarship program to receive loans from HELB.

The scholarships also promote talent and are therefore also awarded to talented students in Sports, and Creative Arts.

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON FINANCIAL AID

What Financial Aid can I receive from Financial Aid Office?

• The Financial Aid Office offers scholarships to Orphans and Vulnerable Scholarships admitted to Kenyatta University.

What Financial Aid Programmes does Financial Aid Office offer?

• The Financial Aid Programmes offered are: The Orphans and Vulnerable Students (OVS) Scholarship for full tuition, the Partial (OVS) Scholarship and Scholarship for Continuing Students.

What is the application procedure for the scholarship?

• Applicant are required to fill the Financial Aid application form which they can either pick from Financial Aid Office or download from Kenyatta University Website only after the advertisement and within the set deadline.

Who is eligible for the Kenyatta University Financial Aid?

• Only the Orphans and Vulnerable Students admitted/studying at Kenyatta University are eligible for the Kenyatta University Financial Aid, and the award will depend on the available funds and the level of need of the applicant as determined by set criteria.

Does it mean I can not apply if am not an orphan yet I am very needy?

• One can apply for the Scholarship since it is actually meant for needy students.

Can I apply for two categories of scholarship so as to be in a better chance?

• One should only apply for one type of scholarship; that it the one they feel is appropriate for them.

What if I qualify?

• One is awarded the scholarship by receiving the Scholarship Award Letter

What if I qualify but lack money for upkeep or money to top up incase am awarded a partial scholarship; can I get further assistance from Financial Aid Office?

• Awardees are expected to cater for their living expenses and also be able to top up incase they are awarded partial scholarship.

If I qualify for the scholarship, am I guaranteed that it will be offered in the whole of my course?

• Yes. This is on the basis that you maintain good academic performance, discipline and participate in community service.

What if my application is submitted after the deadline?

• Application forms that are submitted after the deadline will not be considered. The applicant is required to apply again in the next academic year, following the advertisement.

Can I appeal if I am not selected and feel that it’s unfair?

• Yes. An applicant can appeal if they feel that they were discriminated.

The Directorate is in the process of seeking for funds to grow the OVS Fund for the next cycle of scholarships and wishes to thank the Kenyatta University community, alumni, friends and collaborators for their support and contributions that has made a difference in someone’s life. We urge you to continue supporting this noble cause so that in future we are able to support even a higher number of needy students through the OVS Scholarships.

Kenyatta University Financial Aid Office is committed to providing finance to students who would otherwise be unable to pursue the attainment of their educational and professional goals. The Financial Aid Programmes will depend on the level of need by the individual student.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA FOR OVS SCHOLARSHIP

Applicants must:
1.Be enrolled into a full time degree programme at Kenyatta University or its constituent campuses.
2.Be twenty-five (25) years or below.
3.Meet the required cluster points for the programme applied for.
4.Be in genuine need for financial assistance. 
5.Sustain high academic achievement.
6.Be a Kenyan citizen or permanent resident of Kenya.
7.Update the Financial Aid Office with academic performance at the end of the year.
8.Maintain high level of discipline while under the scholarship.
9.Complete an application form for Kenyatta University Student Aid by the set deadline.

Additional Information for Applicants

1.Every shortlisted applicant will be required to go through an interview process conducted by the OVS Fund Management Board to assess eligibility. 
2.The responsibility of paying school fees is upon the student and his/her guardian. The University’s financial aid programmes are partial; hence student should make arrangements to meet the rest of the tuition, transport and living expenses, even if they are on financial assistance.
3.Completion of an application for financial assistance, does not guarantee that a student will receive financial aid. Financial aid is very limited and its receipt is contingent upon availability of fund and the number of students applying for the same in any given year.
4.Each awardee will be required to undergo a mentoring programme from the OVS Fund Management Board.
5. Each awardee will be required to be actively involved in proscribed community service.
6.The scholarship is a privilege and not a right.
7.The OVS Fund Management Board has the right to withdraw funds from an awardee who has received from elsewhere.