Call for Applications: Master’s Scholarships under the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Programme (HoAGW4RP)
Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation – Republic of Kenya
Overview
The Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation (MoWSI), in collaboration with the International Development Association (IDA) of the World Bank, is implementing the Horn of Africa Groundwater for Resilience Project (HoAGW4RP) in Kenya. This initiative aims to enhance groundwater accessibility and promote its sustainable management in arid and semi-arid regions. A key component of this project includes a targeted Master’s scholarship programme for the 2025/2026 financial year, supporting capacity development for professionals in the water sector.
The five-year project (July 2022 – December 2027) seeks to benefit an estimated 1.5 million people across five counties in Northern Kenya—Turkana, Wajir, Garissa, Marsabit, and Mandera. Activities under the project include groundwater aquifer assessment, restoration, recharge, and the development of policies and regulations to improve governance and visibility of groundwater resources.
Objective of the Scholarship Programme
The primary objective of the scholarship programme is to build technical and institutional capacity in the water sector by equipping professionals with advanced knowledge and practical skills in groundwater management. This initiative is vital to addressing key sectoral challenges such as water scarcity, groundwater pollution, climate change adaptation, policy formulation, transboundary water governance, and regulatory compliance.
Through targeted postgraduate training, the programme aims to foster a skilled workforce capable of implementing sustainable groundwater solutions and enhancing the impact and longevity of the HoAGW4RP in Kenya.
Eligible Master’s Degree Programmes
The scholarship will support Master’s students enrolled in selected Kenyan universities. A total of 20 scholarships are available, with a minimum of two recipients per programme. The following programmes are prioritized:
- MSc in Geology – University of Nairobi (UoN)
- MSc in Applied Geophysics – Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT)
- MSc in Climate Change and Adaptation – UoN
- MSc in Environmental Governance – UoN
- MSc in Environmental Planning and Management – Kenyatta University (KU)
- MSc in Civil Engineering (Water Engineering Option) – JKUAT
- MSc in Geospatial Information Systems and Remote Sensing – JKUAT
- MSc in Hydrology and Water Resources – KU
- MSc in Water Sanitation and Hygiene (WASH) – KU
- MA in International Relations and Diplomacy – KU
- MA in Project Monitoring and Evaluation – KU
Eligibility Criteria
Applicants must meet the following conditions:
- Be a Kenyan citizen under the age of 40.
- Possess a minimum of an upper second-class bachelor’s degree in a relevant field from a recognized university.
- Fulfill the entry requirements for the selected Master’s programme.
- Have at least two years of professional experience in the water sector.
- Be available for full-time study over the two-year programme duration.
- Not have previously received a government scholarship for the same or another degree.
- Submit a supporting letter from their employer confirming employment terms and willingness to grant study leave.
- Preference will be given to individuals working within institutions directly implementing the HoAGW4RP, including:
- Ministry of Water, Sanitation, and Irrigation (MoWSI)
- Regional Centre on Groundwater Resources (RCGW)
- Water Resources Authority (WRA)
- Water Sector Trust Fund (WSTF)
- County governments of Wajir, Garissa, Turkana, Marsabit, and Mandera
Scholarship Coverage and Duration
The scholarship will cover tuition, research, and administrative costs for a period of two academic years beginning in 2025/2026. A total of 20 candidates will be awarded scholarships.
Application Process
The application process will follow three distinct phases:
Phase 1 – University Admission:
Applicants must apply independently for admission to one of the eligible Master’s programmes through the university portal or the eCitizen platform, as applicable.
Phase 2 – Scholarship Application:
Once accepted by the university, applicants must submit the following documents to RCGW at [email protected] with the subject line “APPLICATION FOR THE HOA MSc SCHOLARSHIP”:
- MSc admission letter
- Curriculum vitae
- Certified academic certificates and transcripts
- A one-page motivation letter (single-spaced, font size 12)
- A letter of support from the employer
- A copy of Kenyan ID or passport
- A concept note (max. 1,000 words, font size 12, 1.15 spacing) presenting an innovative research idea aimed at solving groundwater-related challenges in the Kenyan water sector
Phase 3 – Evaluation and Awarding:
Universities will forward shortlisted candidates’ admission letters to RCGW for further evaluation. A selection committee will assess applicants based on merit and relevance. Admission to a Master’s programme does not automatically guarantee scholarship award.
Application Deadline
Applications for university admission must be submitted by 22nd July 2025. Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted for further steps in the scholarship process.
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Disclaimer: Global South Opportunities (GSO) is not the awarding organization. For any inquiries, please contact the awarding organization directly. Please do not send your applications to GSO, as we are unable to process them. Due to the high volume of emails we receive daily, we may not be able to respond to all inquiries. Thank you for your understanding.
