The Project Management Institute (PMI) Kenya Chapter has announced a new three-year partnership with Unicaf that will give its members access to scholarships covering up to 80% of tuition fees for selected university programmes. The deal is designed to help project professionals in Kenya advance their education and remain competitive in a rapidly evolving job market.
Under the agreement, eligible PMI Kenya members, including student members, will receive preferential access to partial scholarships for Bachelor’s, Master’s, and Doctoral programmes offered through Unicaf and its partner universities. The initiative aims to support professionals at different stages of their careers, from early-career practitioners to more experienced project managers seeking further academic growth.
Speaking on the partnership, PMI Kenya Chapter President Maureen Mbithi Ochang said the collaboration forms part of the Chapter’s broader commitment to continuous professional development. She noted that while certifications such as the Project Management Professional (PMP) provide a strong technical foundation, today’s project leaders are increasingly expected to demonstrate wider capabilities.
“The career of a project professional does not stand still,” Ochang said. “While professional certifications such as PMP give a strong foundation, professionals are increasingly expected to understand the wider business, lead people, drive transformation, and link project delivery to organisational value.”
According to PMI’s Pulse of the Profession report on business acumen, only 18% of project professionals globally demonstrate high levels of business understanding. Yet those who do tend to outperform their peers in meeting business objectives, staying on schedule, and managing budgets effectively. The new scholarship opportunity is intended to help close this gap by enabling members to develop complementary skills in areas such as business, leadership, finance, and technology.
Ochang also highlighted the importance of the programme for students and young professionals who are just beginning their careers. She pointed out that Kenya has a large number of ambitious young people entering a job market that continues to change quickly, and continuous learning will be essential for their long-term success.
The scholarships will cover programmes delivered by several partner institutions, including the University of East London, the University of Suffolk, University of California – Riverside Extension, and Unicaf University. All the courses will be offered online, making it possible for working professionals to study flexibly without having to leave their jobs. In addition, the opportunity has been extended to immediate family members of PMI Kenya members, including spouses and children.
The UNICAF Scholarship Application Deadlines
Unicaf operates a rolling admissions system, meaning there is no single fixed deadline for the PMI Kenya scholarship opportunity. Applications are accepted throughout the year, with multiple programme start dates available every month.
Typical start dates in 2026 include intakes in January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, and December. Applicants are advised to submit their applications at least four to six weeks before their preferred start date to allow sufficient time for document review, scholarship assessment, and registration.
Interested PMI Kenya members should contact Unicaf or their Chapter representatives for guidance on the next available intake and to begin the application process.
The partnership was announced ahead of the PMI Global Summit Series in Cape Town, scheduled for 14–15 September 2026. The summit is expected to bring together project professionals from across the continent to share knowledge and discuss emerging challenges in the field.
Ochang expressed optimism about the long-term impact of the collaboration, stating that investing in the continuous growth of project professionals will strengthen their ability to lead and deliver projects that contribute meaningfully to Kenya’s development.
Application: Unicaf Scholarships 2027 Still Open in 5 Universities
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