Apply now! Kenya Summer school 2026

Kenya Summer School 2026 

In collaboration with the University of Eldoret, this school is titled: ‘Determining Destines: Youth, Entrepreneurship and Democracy in the Digital Age,’ and will take place in Kenya.  

As authoritarianism rises globally, many governments are restricting civil society, media freedom, and political participation through repressive laws. At the same time, Kenya’s strong ICT infrastructure and high digital adoption have enabled many young people to engage in the innovation and knowledge-based economy.

Accordingly, this school will explore:
1.  The exploitation of digital tools among the youth to advance democratic participation. 
2. How young people are leveraging the advent of online technology to participate in the digital entrepreneurial ecosystem.  

 The summer school takes place from the 8th to the 14th of November 2026, and by the end of the school, students will have led a public awareness campaign offered in collaboration with UNESCO. This campaign will seek to draw attention to the resilience of youth activists and entrepreneurs in diverse and disadvantaged contexts.  

Why should you participate? 

This is far more than an academic experience. It’s an opportunity to engage with global challenges at a local level. Students from Utrecht University and University College Utrecht are encouraged to apply, as the school fosters interdisciplinary collaboration and intercultural dialogue. You will work alongside peers from Kenya and students who took part in our Uganda summer school, as well as community leaders, and international scholars, to co-create knowledge that addresses pressing challenges.  

By participating, you will gain:  

• Firsthand insight into political participation and grassroots innovation.  

• Build meaningful connections with youth and scholars across continents.  

• Strengthen your capacity for ethical, engaged, and globally-informed research and practice.  

• Contribute to a real world outcome.  

Requirements:  

• Must be currently enrolled at Utrecht University or University College Utrecht.  

• Must write a motivation letter 
• Must be open-minded, enthusiastic about working in an intercultural setting, and flexible. 
• Student cost:
  The school costs 250 Euros to participate.

1. Students must cover their flight costs to and from Kenya.
2. Students must cover vaccination costs to enter Kenya.
3. Students must cover visa costs if needed to enter Kenya.

Motivation letter: 
We ask all students to submit a motivation letter as part of the application. This should be no longer than one page and should address the following:
– Why are you interested in attending the summer school?
– What relevant experience or skills do you bring? 
– How does your approach to learning and collaboration align with the school’s themes and ways of working? 

Alternatively, you may choose to submit a short video or audio recording that covers these same points. You can also submit photos or graphics in your motivation letter to better express yourself. 

Deadline: June 30th 2026
Applications can be sent to bridgingcontinents@uu.nl