KEF Pilots Alumni Engagement Forum for Second-Year University Students in Nairobi

KEF piloted it’s first second year student workshop for alumni in a bid to increase skills, networking and employability. The transition from university to the world beyond the classroom brings new opportunities, questions, and responsibilities. How do you manage money, build a career, navigate family expectations, protect your mental wellbeing, or create opportunities for yourself?

These were among the conversations explored at the Kenya Education Fund (KEF) Pilot Alumni Engagement Forum for Second-Year University Students, held in Nairobi on 27th and 28th August 2026.

The two-day forum brought together KEF students, alumni, professionals, mentors, and facilitators for interactive conversations designed to help students prepare for life beyond university.

Learning Beyond the Classroom

A university education is about more than earning a degree. Students also need opportunities to develop practical skills, build networks, learn from those who have gone before them, and begin thinking intentionally about their futures.

Through workshops, panel discussions, mentorship conversations, and group activities, students explored topics that are not always taught in a lecture hall but are essential to navigating life and work.

Building Financial Confidence

Financial literacy was a key focus, with Esther leading a session on financial growth and smart money habits.

As students begin making more independent financial decisions, the conversation encouraged them to think about budgeting, saving, planning for the future, and developing a healthy relationship with money.

Prioritising Mental Wellbeing

Success is not only measured by academic or professional achievement. A session on mental health led by Dr. Rose Ngondi created space for students to reflect on wellbeing and the pressures that can come with navigating university, relationships, expectations, and an uncertain future.

The discussion reinforced the importance of self-awareness, seeking support, and prioritising mental wellbeing alongside academic and professional goals.

Building a Personal Brand

Students also explored the importance of personal branding and how they present themselves in an increasingly competitive professional environment.

The session encouraged participants to reflect on their strengths, skills, and values, and consider how they can communicate these effectively as they prepare for internships, employment, and other professional opportunities.

Entrepreneurship and Creating Opportunities

Entrepreneurship was another important part of the forum. A diverse panel that had both experienced proffesionals Daviline Busuru and Dominic Muasya and new alumni professionals: Amos Juma, Beryl Adhiambo, Titus Okello, shared insights on entrepreneurship, innovation, and identifying opportunities.

Students were encouraged to think beyond traditional career paths and to develop an entrepreneurial mindsetone that recognises problems, identifies opportunities, and develops creative solutions.

Learning From KEF Alumni

One of the highlights of the forum was the opportunity for students to connect directly with KEF alumni.

Through mentorship and alumni-led discussions, students heard honest reflections on university life, career choices, professional growth, and the transition into adulthood.

An important conversation focused on “black tax” and the financial and family responsibilities that many young professionals navigate as they begin earning an income. By sharing their own experiences, KEF alumni helped students engage openly with some of the realities they may encounter after university.

The Power of Community

At the heart of the forum was the power of the KEF community.

KEF alumni understand the student journey because they have lived it themselves. The forum demonstrated the value of creating spaces where alumni can give back through mentorship, professional networks, and honest conversations with the next generation.

The opportunity to learn from people who were once in their position made the discussions practical, relatable, and inspiring for students.

Looking Ahead

The Pilot Alumni Engagement Forum for Second-Year University Students marks an important step in KEF's continued efforts to support students beyond access to education and increase employability.

By connecting students with alumni, mentors, and professionals, KEF is helping them build the knowledge, confidence, networks, and practical skills needed to navigate life beyond university.

Most importantly, the forum reinforced a powerful message:

Students do not have to navigate the journey alone. They are part of a community of people who have walked before them and are willing to share their experiences, knowledge, and support.