Kenyans with a passion for politics and civic leadership have been invited to submit applications for a rare opportunity to experience the political system in Germany.
The German Bundestag, Germany’s federal parliament, has announced a fully funded scholarship program targeting university graduates from Kenya and other select African countries.
Further, the prestigious program is open to university graduates under the age of 30 from Kenya and eight other Sub-Saharan African countries, including Tanzania, Uganda, Ghana, Nigeria, Senegal, South Africa, Namibia, and Botswana.
Set to run from January 5 to February 3, 2026, the program will bring together up to 24 young professionals from the nine Sub-Saharan African countries for a one-month immersive learning experience in Berlin.
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What Successful Candidates Will Do in Germany
Further, the selected participants will delve deep into Germany’s political structure, engage with Members of Parliament, and explore key themes such as democratic governance, minority protection, and the culture of political accountability.
According to the announcement, the scholarship targets young, politically and socially engaged graduates, especially those actively working to strengthen democracy and civil society in their home countries.
Additionally, the candidates will engage in a week-long internship with a sitting Member of the German Bundestag, offering them an opportunity to witness political decision-making processes from the inside.
To prepare, participants will undergo intensive briefings on Germany’s parliamentary system and attend seminars covering pluralistic societies, civic responsibility, anti-corruption strategies, and project management.
According to the organizers, the project management training is designed to equip the scholars with tools to develop homegrown initiatives promoting democratic values and civic participation once they return home.
“This program is designed for young people who are not only academically accomplished but also committed to playing a constructive role in shaping the future of democracy in their countries,” reads the Bundestag’s official call for applications.
The Bundestag has run similar programs since 2020 as part of its commitment to fostering global democratic collaboration and mutual understanding.
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What the Scholarship Covers
The German government will cover all expenses related to the program. This includes:
- A Ksh105,175 (€700) stipend
- Round-trip airfare to and from Berlin
- Free accommodation
- Health, accident, and liability insurance
To qualify, applicants must:
- Be a Kenyan citizen (dual citizenship is accepted),
- Be under 30 years old as of January 1, 2026,
- Have completed a university degree,
- Possess B2-level German language skills (as per the Common European Framework),
- Show strong interest and involvement in political or civic work.
Applicants will be evaluated based on professional qualifications, leadership potential, language proficiency, and intercultural awareness.
Shortlisted candidates will be interviewed at the German Embassy in Nairobi by a Bundestag-appointed independent panel.
How to Apply
Applications must include:
- Completed application form (in German),
- Passport-sized photo (on form),
- Proof of German proficiency (no older than 2 years),
- A motivational letter in German, signed by hand (max 2 pages),
- Copy of passport or national ID,
- Certified university degree certificate (in English or German),
- One current letter of recommendation (from a professor or employer).
In addition, all documents must be compiled into a single PDF file named Surname-Firstname.pdf and emailed to [email protected]
The deadline for applications is July 31, 2025.
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