NEF Scholarship Beneficiaries
NEF supports students in Form 2 (Sophomore), Form 3 (Junior) and Form 4 (Senior) at two community-initiated secondary schools, as well as college and university students who have gone through the NEF scholarship program. To be eligible for support a student must have significant financial need; be disciplined and dedicated to their studies; hold a C or higher; display leadership qualities; and have commitment from their parents/guardians.
In 2025, we also added a new scholarship in memory the late Dr. Hannington Odame, who, through his organization, the Centre for African Bio-Entrepreneursip (CABE), helped establish NEF in 2012 with Jessica Peyla Nagtalon. Dr. Odame believed in the power of education and leadership, and he had a big heart for helping his community. We are grateful to be able to continue his legacy through this scholarship. The first recipients of the Dr. Hannington Odame Memorial Scholarship are Laphet (he/him) and Joyce (she/her), both Form 4 students at Bujwang’a Secondary School.
Joyce, (Form 4, age 18)
Laphet (Form 4, age 17)
Busijo Secondary School scholarship recipients (front row) with their parents, NEF Program Manager (far right), and members of the School Advisory Committee (Photo courtesy of Anne Truphosa, NEF, 2024).
BUJWANG’A SECONDARY SCHOOL
Bujwang’a Secondary School scholarship recipients (front row) with their parents and members of the School Advisory Committee (Photo courtesy of Anne Truphosa, NEF, 2024).
KEEP SCROLLING DOWN TO MEET OUR TERTIARY STUDENTS!
NEF Tertiary Students
Damaris, Kisii University, Kenya
Damaris, photo courtesy of the student, 2023.
Damaris, Kisii University
24-year-old Damaris hopes to be a nurse. She was accepted into the Bachelor’s degree program in the School of Arts and Sciences at Kisii University. She describes herself as, “hardworking, intelligent, self-determined and I don’t easily give up because I believe in myself and I believe that one day I will make it.”
“Education and skills training unlock our potential to contribute towards an inclusive society.”
Lydia, University of Eldoret
21-year-old Lydia, has a passion for education and hopes to be a teacher of “special needs” students. She is on her way to achieving her dream at the University of Eldoret where she is in the Bachelor's of Education program with a focus on “Special Needs Education.”
“Allow each girl to display her capability and you will realize reach has a unique talent to be tapped into.”
Lydia, photo courtesy of the student, 2023.
Willimina, photo courtesy of the student, 2023.
Willimina, Ol’lessos Technical Training Institute
Single mom, Willimina, is deeply interested in the intersection of health care and technology. She is studying medical records at Ol’lessos Technical Training Institute because she believes that having “an understanding of medical records and IT systems will allow me to contribute significantly to the advancement of health care services.”
Beatrice, Siaya Institute of Technology
After losing her father as a young girl, Beatrice was not sure she would be able to remain in school. With support from NEF and her hard work and determination, Beatrice has successfully completed a 2-year certificate program in catering and hospitality at Bumbe Technical Training Institute, including an internship placement at a hostel. She is now enrolled in a degree program for the same topic at the Siaya Institute of Technology in Kenya.
Beatrice, photo courtesy of the student, 2023.
Alice, photo courtesy of the student, 2024
Alice, Kisii University
Alice (22 years old), is NEF’s newest tertiary student. She began her first year at Kisii University in Kenya in early September 2024. She is excited to live out her dream of being a teacher. She wrote in her application: “I felt it (being a teacher) is one way of giving back to the community by making people understand who they are and helping them achieve their goals.”
Harriet, Rongo University (2023)
Harriet graduated from Busijo Secondary School in 2018 with support from NEF. She was the top performing student in her class. Scoring well on the Kenya nation secondary school exam (KCSE), Harriet was offered a spot at Rongo University in the Kitere Hills of Western Kenya. With continued financial support from NEF for her university tuition and lodging, Harriet was able to pursue a B.A. Degree in Education with a focus on the sciences. Harriet graduated in October 2023 in the presence of her mother and NEF staff.
I can now say, "If it were not God and the Nasirumbi Education Fund I couldn't have made it". Thank you very much!
Akinyi Harriet, photo courtesy of the student, 2023.
