MKU students to participate in annual Netherlands scholarship programme
Mount Kenya University graduates from the Department of Animal Health and Production will participate in the annual Africa Scholarship Programme (ASP) by Wageningen University & Research of Netherlands.
Elisabeth Boelrijk says the institution offers fully paid scholarships to 15-20 students annually. Successful candidates live in Netherlands for two years, and they receive all-round tickets from Nairobi. The students also receive a living allowance for the duration of the programme, and health insurance. Their Visa costs are also catered for and they are eligible for one academic seminar in Europe, with travel, stay, and registration fees catered for by the host university.
“ASP’s aim is to support capacity building in Africa particularly in the area of agriculture,” Ms. Boelrijk told MKU Foundation Executive Director John W. Koigi at a meeting in New York.
The selection procedure for this scholarship is based on invitation. It’s not possible to apply directly. But students must be motivated and talented.
MKU has a vibrant Department of Animal Health and Production departments, which is dedicated to boosting the country’s agricultural capacity. It is based in Nakuru Campus in Rift Valley, traditionally Kenya’s breadbasket.
Agriculture is the mainstay of Kenya’s economy. It employs more than 40% of the population and 70% of the rural economy (USAID, 2023).
The MKU Department has a five-acre demonstration farm at Nakuru Agricultural Society of Kenya showground. The farm has numerous dairy and beef cows, sheep, goats, donkeys, chicken, fish ponds and green houses.
It is used for demonstrative training for students pursuing Bachelors, Certificate and Diploma programmes.
To be eligible for the Wageningen scholarships, one must be “an excellent and a proven top 5% student with a First Class honours degree and a GPA of 80% or higher in a Bachelor degree.”
