Strathmore University is one of the leading private chartered universities in Kenya, and is a privately owned, not for profit institution.  Originally established in 1961, Strathmore University started offering degrees in 2002 before becoming fully chartered in 2008.  

Tuition fees are a significant issue for students attending Strathmore University.  As of January 2012, about a third of applicants offered a place at the University each year do not enroll due to lack of tuition fees. The university has a long-term goal of 30% of its student population accessing some form of financial assistance.  Toward that effort, Strathmore University's partnership with Kiva is a perfect fit, assisting more students where lack of tuition payment is impacting their education.

Strathmore University will offer eligible students the ability to secure loans from Kiva lenders for tuition payments and laptop purchases:

Tuition Loans: 

As of January 2012, Strathmore University will offer two types of tuition loans to approved students.  In order to be eligible for the Kiva loan program, students must maintain high academic standards, and come from a low-income household, among other requirements.

 - 10 year: these long-term loans will include a grace period of up to five years, which includes the period of enrollment  and the first year after graduation.  During this time the borrower will not be required to make any payments.  At the end of the grace period, repayments will become due on a monthly basis.  The borrower will be charged an interest rate of 2% during the grace period of the loan, and 4% for the remainder of the loan term.

 - 4 year: these shorter loans will be available to enrolled students (second year and above) who face cash-flow constraints.  These loans will have no grace period.  Repayments will be due monthly, and the borrower will be charged 2% per annum for the first 12 months, 4% per annum throughout months 13 - 24, and 6% per annum for the remainder of the loan term.  Full repayment will be required before the student is able to graduate.

Laptop Loans:

Loans for the purchase of a laptop will have a 24 month loan term, and borrowers will be charged an interest rate of 5%.

Watch the video below to learn how Kiva loans have made a big difference for students at Strathmore: