U.S.-Kenya Freedom 250 Tech and Innovation Exchange
The U.S.-Kenya Freedom 250 Tech and Innovation Exchange funds Kenyan STEM undergraduates for a semester at U.S. universities to strengthen U.S.-Kenya academic, tech, and business ties in honor of America's 250th anniversary.
Funder: U.S. Mission to Kenya
Due Dates: May 29, 2026: Application deadline
Funding Amounts: $3,300,000 total; one award; up to 36 months
Summary: Supports an academic exchange program linking U.S. and Kenyan universities to advance science, technology, and engineering, with a focus on U.S.-Kenya bilateral ties and American commercial interests in Africa.
Key Information: Scientific research or surveys are not allowable activities; proposals must focus on exchange, externships, and alumni network development.
Description
This opportunity funds the Freedom 250 Tech and Innovation Exchange, a major academic and professional exchange program in honor of America’s 250th anniversary. The program aims to create and strengthen targeted linkages between U.S. and Kenyan universities in science, technology, engineering, and innovation, with an emphasis on advancing American economic priorities and business interests in Kenya and Africa. The initiative will support 76 high-potential Kenyan undergraduates (ages 18–26) for a semester of study at U.S. universities, followed by required externships with American companies in Kenya, and the development of a pro-American alumni network. The program is designed to foster U.S.-Kenya collaboration, embed Kenyan talent in American-led tech ecosystems, and establish a prestigious brand for U.S.-Kenya partnership.
