Netflix announces East Africa scholarship beneficiaries

The scholarship for sub-Saharan students is part of Netflix’s global Creative Equity Fund launched in 2021 with the goal of developing a strong, diverse pipeline of creatives around the world. Students in the West and Central Africa regions are also set to benefit from the programme. 

The CESF celebrated the inaugural cohort of 46 beneficiaries from five East African countries – Kenya, Uganda, Rwanda, Burundi and South Sudan – during a ceremony held at KCA University in Nairobi, Kenya, on Thursday.

All the beneficiaries are eligible to receive a full scholarship that includes tuition, accommodation, a living stipend and educational supplies. The awardees have enrolled for certificate, diploma and degree courses, with 19 enrolling for certificate programmes, 22 for diplomas and five for degrees. The largest group of beneficiaries are between the ages of 18 and 25 years.

The programme is administered by HEVA Fund in partnership with the Africa Digital Media Institute, the Kenya Film School, KCA University, Kenyatta University and United States International University Africa. The five institutions in Kenya will support the formal qualification and training of aspiring creatives from the region.

The Thursday event served as an informal ceremony to bring together students, partner institutions and key stakeholders in celebration of the scholarship’s recipients and the programme at large.

In attendance were various government agency representatives, including Kenya Film Commission CEO Timothy Owase, Kenya National Commission for UNESCO deputy director Emily Njeru and Young Rich Television founder and managing director Eugene Mbugua. Also present were members of the partner institutions.

The beneficiaries

Recipients for certificate in film studies

Victor Odhiambo Tindi, Saidi Mohamed Mujibu, Pauline Wanjiru Mwangi, Mwavaga Shadrine Lumonye, Bobson Fadhili Mwamburi, Simon Njogu Wacira, Felix Otieno Odhiambo, Derrick Bosire, Dorcas Kelly Katunge, Teresia Wanjiru Mbugua, Kelvin Mbuvi Ngatta, Clinton Aguma, Martha Muthoni Mutiso and Jeffither Murimi Kariuki.

Recipients for certificate in film and television 

Martin Toroi Walucho and Steve Gitau Ng’ang’a.

Recipients in film production

Cynthia Wanjiku Muniu, Fortune Wise Chege and Augustine Ondera Alfred.

Recipients in diploma in film and television production

Denis Musungu, Memusa Christopher Lesikito, Nyokabi Gitonga Jackline, Jonathan Efwaine Anyange, Lucky Wanja Wangari, Ebenyo William Eloto, Solomon Ewoi Emuria, Jerry Mokua Sakwa, Yvan King Mukunzi, Belone Irakoze, Joyce Isaac Cleto Alimu and Amisha Janat Mukasa.