William Baya, who has been at the academy for six years, won a full scholarship to attend Washington and Lee University in the US to pursue a degree in Physics and Engineering.
The recent graduate joined the school in 2011 from Ganze sub County in Kilifi County.
Paul Davis, the Dean of Admissions, said he met William on his visit to the sub county when the Kilifi County Governor reported widespread hunger in the area.
William said the opportunity and experience will equip him with the necessary skills to cope with issues not just in his community, but also the global community at large.
Seven beneficiaries of the Aga Khan Academy’s Talent Identification Programme (TIP) are set to begin their tertiary education in various universities across the world.
William Baya, who has been at the academy for six years, won a full scholarship to attend Washington and Lee University in the US to pursue a degree in Physics and Engineering.
The recent graduate joined the school in 2011 from Ganze sub County in Kilifi County.
“I’m a first-generation student to attend university, making this a very huge step not just for me but my family too,” said William.
Paul Davis, the Dean of Admissions, said he met William on his visit to the sub county when the Kilifi County Governor reported widespread hunger in the area.
William said the opportunity and experience will equip him with the necessary skills to cope with issues not just in his community, but also the global community at large.
The programme works to identify top 6 students from across Kenya with exceptional intellectual ability and leadership potential.
TIP ensures that the students are fully funded for their study at the Academy.
Prudence Hainga from Kisumu is a MasterCard Foundation Scholar and will be attending the University of Edinburgh fully funded to study Political Science.
“I want to realise my childhood dream of fighting injustice and corruption in Kenya...learning how political systems function and what others have done to ensure sustainable development as well as spread out opportunities for their citizens...I am motivated to use my knowledge as a weapon against discrimination and inequality and work for a better Kenya – a Kenya that feels like home to all,” she said.
Raised by a single mother Japheth Elisha, a graduate hopes to give back to his community in Kisumu once he completes his studies at the University of Wisconsin, Madison.
He received a full scholarship to study Financial Economics/ Business.“I come from an underprivileged background in Kisumu. Now that God has given me an opportunity to come to Aga Khan Academy through a scholarship it is my responsibility to help those at home,” he said.
