Kenyan students chase big dreams in Japan varsities

Fredrik, 29, is pursuing a Master’s degree in Civil and Structural Engineering at Hokkaido University, one of the top-ranked institutions of higher learning in the world. Fredrik is specialising in structural and earthquake engineering.

"I always wanted to further my studies in a country with highly developed infrastructure," says Fredrik. "In Kenya, we rely a lot on engineers from countries like China and Japan. I wanted to learn from them."

He is among the more than 200 Kenyan scholars currently enrolled on undergraduate and graduate programmes in Japan. The land of the rising sun welcomed a record-breaking 336,708 international students in 2024, a 21 percent surge over the previous year.

According to the Japanese Embassy in Nairobi, the majority of these Kenyans pursue engineering and technology certificates, teaching, language programmes, STEM degrees, and cutting-edge research fields like robotics, AI, environmental studies, and biotech.

The surge, the embassy says, is driven by the country’s policy on affordable tuition, strong government scholarships (especially the MEXT and JDS programmes), growing English-language course offerings, and Japan’s global appeal – from its academic rigour to its culture of clean, safe, efficient urban life.

Fredrik’s dream took hold early. After finishing secondary school at Agoro Sare High School, he joined the University of Nairobi in 2015 and graduated in 2021. He was an active student leader and chairman of the College of Architecture and Engineering for the University of Nairobi Students' Association.

During his final year, Fredrik began looking for opportunities abroad. He eventually discovered the Hokkaido University President's Fellowship, a highly competitive scholarship awarded to only six international students annually. It is reserved for self-sponsored Master’s, professional, or doctoral-level students with a demonstrated interest in Japanese society.

"I applied through the University of Nairobi," he explains. “My name was shortlisted and I was recommended to Hokkaido University. There, I was competing at an international level and was lucky to be among the six selected."

His journey to Japan wasn’t easy. As is typical for many Kenyan students, the visa process was a challenge. "I didn't know anyone at Nyayo House," he says, referencing the notoriously slow Kenyan immigration system. “But once they saw I was going for studies with a scholarship, the process was accelerated."

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Now living in Sapporo, Fredrik has immersed himself in a culture that is both fascinating and, at times, challenging. “The Japanese are very reserved, unlike us Africans. But they’re incredibly supportive.”

Language was another hurdle. Fredrik enrolled in a Japanese language course offered to international students and, within six months, was able to speak basic survival Japanese.

"Most of the staff within the university speak English very well," he says. "But once out of the university, you need some Japanese knowledge to survive."

Life in Japan is expensive, but scholarships have helped ease the burden.

"I've been lucky. I get a monthly allowance and have received two more scholarships. I haven't worked part-time, although students can work up to 28 hours a week."

Fredrik lives off-campus, paying between Sh27,000 and Sh54,000 a month in rent depending on the size and location. "That is like a bedsitter in Nairobi. You pay extra for utilities, but it is manageable with the scholarship."

The academic environment has made the biggest impression.

"Japan's research system is way ahead of Kenya's. Here, I can access any software or lab equipment I need. The university provides full funding support for research equipment."

He is especially grateful for his professor, who supports both academic progress and mental well-being, his 8am to 5pm studies, even during breaks, Fredrik connects with the Kenyan and international student community.

"When I came, there was no solid society for Kenyan students in Hokkaido, so I initiated it. Now I represent all the Kenyan students in the region."

He also plays soccer weekly with an international students' team. And when it comes to food, Fredrik has acquired a taste for local dishes like ramen, yakiniku (grilled meat), and Genghis Khan, a lamb delicacy popular in the area.

The biggest challenge? "Winter," he says. "Hokkaido is the coldest part of Japan. Snow can reach heights as tall as a full-grown man. Temperatures dip to minus 20 degrees Celsius for five months."

Homesickness is another constant shadow, especially as he has yet to return to Kenya since relocating. "I'm married, and my wife stayed behind due to a new career opportunity. It's tough to be away, but we remain in touch with video calls and social media."

Despite the cold and distance, Fredrik finds Japan an ideal academic environment. "You don’t worry about resources; you simply focus on study and research."

Mary: From anime to academia

Mary Alex Wambui Kimani, 27, is living a dream she long imagined, pursuing her Master’s in economic development at Otaru University of Commerce in Japan.

Mary’s academic journey began at Kiriri Women's University of Science and Technology, where she majored in finance and graduated in December 2018. She then worked in various roles: intern at a printing company, assistant accountant, freelance writer, event administrator, and content creator for an NGO-run school.

Her interest in Japan began during the Covid-19 lockdowns, when anime movies sparked her curiosity about the country.

"I always had a dream to study in the US," she says. "But during Covid, I developed a passion for anime and then for Japanese culture and language."

She began studying the language and visited the Japanese Embassy in Nairobi, where she accessed learning resources and learned about the MEXT scholarship.

Mary underwent a rigorous selection process at the embassy, including a detailed research proposal, essay submissions, and English and Japanese proficiency exams.

She submitted her proposal in April 2023, passed the exams, and by mid-year had received multiple university offers. In 2024, she was awarded the MEXT scholarship.

Originally focused on finance, Mary had to shift to international marketing because her university didn't offer finance courses in English. "I even had to re-do my entire research proposal," she recalls.

Arriving in Japan in spring was a blur of firsts. "I thought I was ready for the cold, but Hokkaido winter is something else. You have to layer your clothing just right. The snow was beautiful, but the cold was too much."

Summer brought a different kind of shock. "It gets hotter than Nairobi, and the humidity makes it worse."

Culturally, the transition was dramatic. "I never knew I was Black until I came here. I can go days without seeing another Black person. People stare, but I'm used to it."

Mary stresses that she has not experienced racism—only curiosity and kindness. "People are so polite. If you ask for directions, they'll walk you there, even if it’s out of their way."

She now works part-time at a convenience store, doing everything from cashiering and restocking to food prep. The job, made possible by her Japanese skills, provides extra income and cultural immersion.

"Groceries are pricey, especially vegetables and fruits. I do miss Kenyan food," she says.

For leisure, she explores Japan through rafting, temple visits, and street food adventures. "Do I plan on staying in Japan after school? I don't know yet. But this experience has changed my life."

Susan's science curiosity

Susan Wambui Kiru studied molecular biology at Kenyatta University, graduating in 2016. She then interned at the Kenya Medical Research Institute (Kemri), eventually landing a full-time role. At Kemri, she worked on the HATUA project, which investigated urinary tract infections through field interviews and clinical studies.

Her work expanded through a position at Cambridge-Kemri, splitting time between the Centre for Virus Research and the Centre for Microbiology Research. Here, she connected with the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA), which collaborates with Kemri to train future leaders in zoonotic disease research.

Susan was one of four researchers selected after competitive interviews. She arrived in Japan in September 2023 for a six-month research programme, passed her PhD qualifying exams, and officially joined graduate school in April 2024. She remains affiliated with Kemri on academic leave.

"I'm studying zoonotic diseases, how they move between animals, humans, and the environment. It's a cycle," explains the 31-year-old.
Before Japan, Susan pursued medical microbiology at the JKUAT under Kemri's graduate programme.

Adapting to Japan was not without cultural hiccups. "People are so polite, it's annoying!" she jokes. "Once I played loud music, and instead of knocking, the neighbours called the police because they couldn't speak English."

She pays about Sh45,000 monthly from her stipend for accomodation. The food? "They eat rice with no oil, no salt, just plain!" Still, she enjoys soup curry and salmon sushi.

Support from "Uncle JICA" has been vital. The agency funded her tuition, arranged her visa and flights, provided devices, and even gave money for winter clothes. "They make you feel comfortable. It’s like having a very nice sponsor."

"The system here is so efficient. Everything is scheduled in advance," she adds. Visual aids and simple language make complex science easier to grasp.

Susan stays in touch with family and belongs to a group called "Kenyans in Hokkaido," which meets for holidays and catchups. One highlight: skiing. "It was my first time, but I excelled as if I'd done it my whole life."

She has travelled to Otaru, Tokyo, and Shinjuku, and is preparing to run a marathon in Shibetsu. "They’re praying I live up to Kenya's running legacy," she laughs.

"I've learned I can do anything. I'm doing something totally new, but I've stretched myself beyond what I thought possible. I've also learned the power of simplicity."

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