Since 2006, the demand for our scholarship program has grown significantly, along with recognition of our impact and graduate success rates. Our recent applications have doubles from 228 applications to 542 in 2024, and we see demand growing. 

Find out more about our recruitment and selection process to ensure the best chance of success for all of our applicants. 

How many students do you recruit each year?

The number of students is dependent on our ongoing fundraising efforts each year, to ensure we can fulfill our commitment to each scholar throughout their post-secondary journey and into post-secondary. Here is a breakdown of our scholars and alumni as of 2025:

What are your recruitment criteria? 

When reviewing the hundreds of applications we receive each year, we take into consideration the following : 

• Achievement of a Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) examination within Mathare Valley
• Verified residency in Mathare Valley
• Demonstrated a clear financial need
• An academic score of 340 marks or above in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE)
• Demonstrated ability to live away from home (boarding school readiness)
• Demonstrated leadership potential and commitment to giving back to Mathare

What is your selection process like? 

We recruit scholars from all schools across Mathare Valley, beginning with an annual announcement of the scholarship opportunity through various online and in-person channels to reach all eligible candidates within Mathare Valley. Last year we received 542 applications.

All applications are reviewed and a shortlist created. Last year we shortlisted 45 prospective scholars.

Shortlisted candidates take part in both written and in-person interviews. Our interview panel is made up of one CMETrust alumni, a member of CMETrust's Kenya personnel, and one member of our community of practice. 

After the interview process, a final group of candidates is presented to the Canadian Board of Directors for approval. Last year 30 new scholarship applications were approved. 

Once approved, we share the news with scholarship recipients and their parents or guardians, who are welcomed to CMETrust, at this time expectations, timelines and next steps are shared.

What exactly is included in a CMETrust scholarship? 

Our secondary school scholarship includes: tuition, room & board, transportation, uniform, books and school supplies, menstrual products, a reusable water bottle and welcome kit. The scholarships also include three weeks of mandatory holiday school-break programming, mentorship & coaching support, and mental health support.

The scholarship does not include additional financial support to the scholars families, medical insurance or healthcare costs, or technological devices such as laptops.

You can see a breakdown of the costs of our scholarships here: