Kistrech Scholarship for Students 

This scholarship was started by guest-poets who have participated at the Kistrech Poetry Festival in the past. The poets who have attended the event since 2013 thought it fit to start a small fund to assist poor students whom they meet or interact with during their visit to rural Kenya. These students struggle to pay their fees and hence take longer to complete their education, while some drop out entirely from their studies.

The small fund is meant to assist needy students in Secondary schools in rural areas of Kenya, especially those from Kisii County who come from poor families. The scholarship targets poor students, but who are bright or possess special talents, such as poetry, spoken-word art, music, painting, and drama, but struggle to pay their school fees. Some female students who drop out of school because of pregnancy, but decides to come back to continue with their studies are also considered for the scholarship. One student needs at least USD 180 per year, which is paid in installments of USD 60 at the beginning of each school term during the year as follows:


First Term (Which starts in January): USD 60
Second Term (Which starts in May): USD 60
Third Term (Which Starts in September): USD 60


For one year, a guardian or sponsor could have paid a total of USD 180 for one student. If a sponsor finds this school fees to be too little or to them looks like peanuts, such a sponsor should kindly accept to educate more than one student. This sponsorship can go further to include mentorship of that student by the guardian/sponsor.

A sponsor/guardian can continue assisting the same student or students and nurture them till completion of their 4-year studies in secondary School. Some sponsors might want to come and visit the students they are nurturing and see their progress, visit their homes and meet with their families and community people.

If you are interested in this scholarship and wants to give education to a rural needy student and possibly mentor them, please write to us: festival@kistrechpoetry.org.