TERTIARY EDUCATION DEPARTMENT
One Step Higher
completion, employability, character development, and long-term self-reliance
The Tertiary Education Department at Elimisha Watoto Foundation exists to ensure that bright, deserving, and financially vulnerable learners successfully transition beyond secondary school into vocational training centres, universities, language institutions, and international education pathways.
The department focuses not only on access to tertiary education, but on completion, employability, character development, and long-term self-reliance. Our approach is structured, data-driven, and aligned with national and global workforce demands.
CORE Philosophy
VISION
To develop an empowered generation of young people endowed with a well-rounded education and refined character, positioning them as competitive global citizens.
VALUES
- Integrity
- Respect
- Accountability
- Safeguarding
- Inclusivity
- Empowerment
- Excellence
Mission
To offer education support and mentorship to needy and deserving tertiary students towards completing their higher education and realizing excellent personal and social development.
Strategic Goals
- Expand Access and Support for Tertiary Education
- Enhance Student Development and Employability
- Strengthen Alumni Engagement and Legacy Building
- Ensure Financial Sustainability and Strategic Growth
- Promote Organizational Excellence and Inclusivity
PILLARS
- Academic Scholarships – Financial support for accredited institutions
- Mentorship – Academic, personal, and psychosocial guidance
- Career Guidance – Alignment of student pathways with labour market demand
- Professional Development – Skills, exposure, and work readiness
- Collaboration & Partnerships – Institutional, donor, and global partnerships
Overall Reach & Current Status
Of the 39 currently active students:
- 1 is fully sponsored by a private donor
- 11 actively engaged as alumni
Data & Research Capacity:
- 1,200 accredited TVET institutions mapped
- 15,000+ courses incorporated into the Matrix/CRM system
This research infrastructure enables accurate placement, cost efficiency, monitoring, and scalability.
Tertiary Education Pathways
Vocational Training Centres
Current Reach:
- 14 active students sponsored in accredited vocational training centres
Why Vocational Training
Vocational pathways provide practical, market-driven skills that lead to faster employment, entrepreneurship, and sustainable livelihoods—particularly for students requiring shorter, skills-focused programs.
Course Categories
- Arts, crafts & artisan programs
- TVET certificates
- TVET diplomas
Popular Courses
Drawing, painting, beadwork, pottery, weaving, carpentry, tailoring, hairdressing & beauty therapy, graphic design, basic computer skills, hospitality & catering, electrical installation, plumbing, motor vehicle mechanics, welding, carpentry.
Duration
- Arts, crafts & artisan: 1–12 months
- Certificates: 6 months–1 year
- Diplomas: Up to 3 years
Cost Range
- Arts, crafts & artisan: KES 10,000 – 100,000
- Certificates & diplomas: KES 20,000 – 150,000
Language Institutions & Global Language Pathways
Purpose
Language training enhances eligibility for international universities and scholarships, particularly in non-English-speaking countries, while strengthening cross-cultural competence in the global job market.
Institutions Supported
- Confucius Institute (Mandarin)
- Goethe-Institute (German)
- Alliance Françoise (French)
Universities Sponsored by Elimisha
Local Universities
Research Coverage
- 87 accredited universities mapped
- 45 public
- 42 privates
Current Reach
- 25 active students sponsored in accredited local universities
Why University Education
University education develops advanced academic knowledge, professional skills, leadership capacity, and long-term career growth, contributing to national productivity and innovation.
Undergraduate Program Areas
Arts & Humanities, Science & Technology, Engineering, Business & Management, Health & Medical Sciences, Law & Social Sciences, Agriculture & Environmental Studies, Hospitality & Tourism, Education, Creative & Performing Arts.
Duration
- Most programs: 3–4 years
- Engineering: 5 years
- Medicine: 6 years
Cost Overview
- Public universities (government-sponsored):
KES 35,000 – 70,000 per academic year - Private universities:
KES 120,000 – 250,000 per academic year - Medicine:
- Affordable institutions: up to KES 480,000 per year
- Higher-cost institutions: up to KES 600,000 per year
International Universities
Current Reach
- 4 active students studying in international universities
Why International Studies
International education provides global exposure, advanced competencies, and competitive employability, ensuring academic success and long-term career readiness.
Scholarship Model
- Students awarded 50%–70% merit-based scholarships
- Elimisha covers the remaining tuition balance
Cost
- Approximate annual cost per student: KES 1.5 million
Alumni Engagement
Alumni are a strategic constituency of the Tertiary Education Department. They serve as:
- Mentors to current students
- Role models and ambassadors
- Contributors to long-term sustainability and legacy building
The Alumni Association operates as a sub-department supporting continuity, impact measurement, and peer mentorship.
Strategic Value of the Tertiary Department
The Tertiary Department ensures that Elimisha’s investment in basic and secondary education translates into real-life outcomes. By combining scholarships with mentorship, career alignment, and professional development, the department delivers graduates who are skilled, employable, and socially responsible.
DEPARTMENT TEAM
Susan Wambui
Administration Officer - Tertiary
Roy Barasa
Assistant Admin - Tertiary
Warren Bahati
Liaison Officer