Drive Africa's Electric Future
Join an exclusive scholarship programme for Kenya's brightest TVET engineers. Get mentorship, hands-on experience, and a platform to shape the continent's EV revolution.
Background & Rationale
The EV Explorers Mission
The EV Explorers team is now in Year 2 of a three-year project to prove that an electric vehicle can complete the Rhino Charge — Kenya’s premier off-road conservation fundraising event. Alongside this engineering mission, the team is committed to investing in the engineers who will shape Africa’s electric future.
Kenya’s TVET institutions are producing skilled, practical engineers who will be central to the continent’s transition to electric mobility. This programme identifies, rewards, and develops two exceptional TVET students each year through scholarship support, real-world work experience, and direct participation in the Rhino Charge.
Programme Objective
Eligibility
Who Can Apply?
The EV Explorers TVET Young Engineers Programme is open to female students currently enrolled at a registered TVET institution (Technical Training Institute, Polytechnic, or National Polytechnic) located all counties in Kenya, studying an engineering or related technical discipline, and having completed at least one full academic year.
Key Requirements
- Studying an engineering or related technical discipline
- Have completed at least one full academic year
- Demonstrated academic excellence and commitment
Selection Process
-
1
Stage 1:
Application
Candidates apply directly via the online application form. Applications must include academic transcripts or a progress report and a brief personal statement. No paper or email submissions accepted
Dead Line
30
June 2026
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2
Stage 2:
Essay Submission
Applicants respond to two competition questions — an essay on EVs in Africa and a technical question on EV design for extreme off-road conditions. Assessed by an independent panel for originality, reasoning, and insight.
Dead Line
06
July 2026
-
3
Stage 3:
Finalist Interviews
6 finalists invited to face-to-face interviews in Nairobi on 18 May with a panel from EV Explorers, KCB Bank, and the education/engineering sectors.
Dead Line
06
July 2026
-
3
Stage 3:
Winners Announcement
winners announced at the close of the interview day.
Dead Line
06
July 2026
Programme Awards
Rhino Charge 2026 Participation
Attend the 2026 Rhino Charge as Technical Observers embedded with the EV Explorers team — direct exposure to competition vehicle dynamics and engineering challenges.
3-Month Work Experience
Structured, paid placement at Foleys Garage's development hub, timed to align with the student's academic calendar. A living stipend covers accommodation and subsistence.
Partial Scholarship
Up to 75% of tuition fees paid towards completion of the TVET programme — minimum 1 academic year, maximum 2 years, subject to satisfactory progress.
Programme Partners
KCB Bank
Headline partner and host of the Winners’ Announcement Dinner — championing youth empowerment and enterprise development across Kenya.
Silent Savannah
Engineering partner providing 3-month work experience placements under professional supervision in EV development and motorsport.
EV Explorers
Headline partner and host of the Winners’ Announcement Dinner — championing youth empowerment and enterprise development across Kenya.
Indicative Timeline
HOW TO APPLY
Applications are accepted exclusively via the online form — no paper, email, or institutional submission will be considered. To apply, candidates must submit:
- Completed online application form
- Academic transcripts or current progress report Will be requested of the finalists