All Disciplines
Kenya
Number of recipients
In addition to being a prestigious academic exchange program, the Fulbright Program is designed to expand and strengthen relationships between the people of the United States and citizens of other nations and to promote international understanding and cooperation. To support this mission, Fulbright Scholars may be asked to give public talks, mentor students, and otherwise engage with the host community, in addition to their primary activities.
Teaching or treaching-research proposals are accepted. Teach undergraduate and graduate courses in any discipline taught at any of the eligible universities. Contribute to curriculum development. Conduct research in area of specialization.
Eligible Public Universities:
- Chuka University
- Egerton University
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
- Karatina University
- Kenyatta University
- Kisii University
- Laikipia University
- Maasai Mara University
- Maseno University
- Masinde Muliro University of Agriculture and Technology
- Moi University
- Pwani University
- Taita Taveta University
- Technical University of Kenya
- Technical University of Mombasa
- University of Eldoret
- University of Nairobi
Eligible Private Universities:
- Africa Nazarene University
- Catholic University of Eastern Africa
- Daystar University
- Kabarak University
- KCA University
- Kenya Methodist University
- Strathmore University
- United States International University-Africa
- University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
A start date of September for 10-month grants is preferred but other start dates may be acceptable depending on the needs of the host institution. Shorter grants of five months or more beginning mid-January are possible. The earliest grant start date is mid-July.
The U.S.-Kenya strategic partnership elevates Kenya’s role as a leader in East Africa and an essential U.S. partner in building prosperity, democracy, and security in the region. We use our Public Diplomacy programs to help the Embassy achieve its objectives in the country. These objectives include security, economic empowerment, health and democracy. In reviewing Fulbright applications to Kenya, priority will be given to those applications that are specifically or broadly related to these areas.
All applicants must meet the Program eligibility requirements (click to review the requirements).
All teaching will be in English; proficiency in another language is not required. Some knowledge of Swahili will be useful in social settings.
Scholars with five years or more of postdoctoral university or college teaching experience are preferred.
- Africa Nazarene University
- Catholic University of Eastern Africa
- Chuka University
- Commission for University Education
- Daystar University
- Egerton University
- Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology
- Kabarak University
- Karatina University
- KCA University
- Kenya Methodist University
- Kenyatta University
- Kisii University
- Laikipia University
- Maseno University
- Masinde Muliro University of Agriculture and Technology
- Maasai Mara University
- Moi University
- Pwani University
- Strathmore University
- Taita Taveta University
- Technical University of Kenya
- Technical University of Mombasa
- United States International University-Africa
- University of Eastern Africa, Baraton
- University of Eldoret
- University of Nairobi
Round-trip, economy-class, international travel arranged by travel agent designated by IIE, for scholar and up to two accompanying dependents. A $2,550 allowance will be provided to cover the costs associated with relocation and excess baggage.
$1,000 books and educational materials allowance; if possible, educational materials should be donated to the host institution (or other entity) upon grantee's departure. (For Teaching and Teaching/Research awards only.)
Additional living and housing allowance is provided for grantees with one accompanying dependent or two or more accompanying dependent. These amounts range from $200/month to $500/month.
In addition, round-trip, economy class travel is provided for up to two dependents.
Dependent educational allowance of up to $12,500 per child or $25,000 per family for accompanying dependents in grades K-12 is reimbursed for a full academic year, upon submission of receipts, and depending on funding availability. Amount may be adjusted for shorter grant periods. Reimbursement is based on actual cost of tuition and fees only.
Dependents must accompany the grantee for at least 80% of the period abroad and a minimum of one semester in order to qualify for additional dependent benefits. Dependent benefits are not provided to Flex grantees.
When university housing is provided to Fulbright Scholars, grantees will receive a supplemental housing allowance in lieu of a full housing allowance for refurbishments, utilities, and other miscellaneous expenses that arise. The full housing allowance will not be provided to grantees if they elect to decline on-campus or university housing.
Please refer to the figures above for an estimate of total monthly Fulbright award benefits. Benefits may include a monthly base stipend, living and housing allowances, and additional one-time allowances. Benefits may vary based on a scholar's current academic rank (or professional equivalent), the city of placement, the type of award (teaching, teaching/research, or research), and the number of and duration of stay of accompanying dependents. Research-only or Professional Project grantees receive a standard stipend that is not adjusted for academic rank. In most cases, dependent benefits will not be provided to Flex grantees, or to grantees pursuing grants less than four months (or a semester) in length.
Final grant amounts will be determined prior to the start of the academic year and are subject to the availability of funds. The United States Department of State reserves the right to alter, without notice, participating countries, number of awards and allowances.
Kenya
The new U.S.-Kenya strategic partnership elevates Kenya as a leader in East Africa and an essential U.S. partner in building prosperity, democracy, and security in the region. To fulfill its potential, Kenya must overcome significant internal challenges: weak democratic institutions, ethnic and political tensions, and restricted economic growth. Kenya is young with 75 percent of its population under 30. Youth and marginalized populations do not receive adequate education or economic opportunities, thus increasing the vulnerability of some audiences to extremist messaging.
The U.S. Embassy Public Affairs programs are meant to encourage dialogue among all Kenyans; promote STEAM education and EducationUSA; develop young leaders through our exchanges; engage our alumni; train and support free media; create programs on entrepreneurship; and promote empowerment of women and girls among others.
The academic calendar differs from university to university and is subject to change; therefore timing of the grant is sometimes subject to change as well. Any alternate placements and starting dates will be negotiated with candidates selected for awards. If bringing children along, several private schools are available for dependent children who accompany the Scholar. The International School of Kenya and Rosslyn Academy are recommended.
Visit our Scholar Directory to view and search all Fulbright alumni. You can also learn more about Fulbright Alumni Ambassadors.
Approximately 10 years ago in 2012/13 the Kenyan government ran a major universities expansion program. While there are currently 31 public universities and 18 private chartered universities that are authorized to operate in Kenya, many of these universities still do not have capacity to host a Fulbright program. The U.S. Embassy is working closely with the new universities to establish relationships with the hope that they will be able to host Fulbright Scholars to help build their capacity. Scholars wishing to apply to these recently established universities and constituent colleges must check with the Public Affairs Section at the Embassy in Nairobi, KenyaExchanges@state.gov, for approval before submitting their final application.