Welcoming Strathmore University, Kiva’s First University Field Partner!

We are excited to announce Kiva’s first partnership with a university: Strathmore University in Nairobi, Kenya!

Students at Strathmore University will be able to access a variety of loans, funded by you, through this new partnership with Kiva. The different loans available will help pay for students’ tuition throughout their 4 year degree, help them through a period of cash flow difficulties without interrupting their studies, or fund the purchase a laptop necessary to their studies.

While Kiva began piloting student loans in 2010, this partnership marks Kiva’s first with an educational institution, and is one of our first non-traditional Field Partners, continuing our cycle of innovation.

Strathmore University is one of the leading private chartered universities in Kenya, and is a privately owned, not-for-profit institution. While there is no university ranking system in Kenya, Strathmore was ranked 3rd overall in Kenya and 1st among the private universities in 2011 by 4International’s Colleges and Universities web ranking. Demand for enrollment is high, but according to the University Secretary, an estimated third of students accepted for enrollment fail to enroll, usually as a result of lack of finances.

Strathmore University’s partnership with Kiva will contribute to their current efforts increasing financial aid to their student population. According to the university, they are currently managing over 12 financial aid programs, which support over 300 students or about 8% of the student population, but their goal is to increase this number to 20% of the student population within the next 3 years. In recognition of their efforts, Kiva has awarded Strathmore University the “Innovation” and “Anti-Poverty Focus” Social Performance Badges.

We can’t wait to see the first student loans on Kiva through Strathmore University! In the meantime, you can learn more about Strathmore University on their website, or more about the Kiva loans available to Strathmore students on their Field Partner page.

Thanks for helping students in Kenya “Stay In School!!”

Pictured above: Graduates of Strathmore University