Uniport was founded in 2018 as a sustainable and impact-driven social enterprise by Gerald
Gonzenbach and Tobias Ursprung, two entrepreneurs with a long professional experience in the
financial services industry. They identified an urgent financing need for the education of top
qualified students on university level lacking the necessary financial means.
There are about 1m pupils who sit for their final exam in grade 8 called Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) every year. The average number of students who sit for K.C.S.E(Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education)every year is about 500,000. Approximately 70% of students who qualify for a university degree actually enroll to universities. Sadly, less than 70% of those that gain entry to university do actually graduate. The main factor for these high drop-out rates is the inability of the students to fully finance their education.
There are NGOs that give scholarships to bright high school students who do not have the financial means to attend high school otherwise, e.g. Aiducation International, Palmhouse foundation, Kesho Organization, some banks etc. But there are currently no institutions (e.g. local banks, NGOs, lending groups) that provide university student loans.
The government provides subsidized loans (HELB) of max USD 600 p.a. to some selected top scholars. The number of students who receive HELB is very small; and that which Although important as a programme, it leaves many other students stranded, unable to finance their education. Furthermore, the HELB loan in most cases cannot cater for the full educational needs of fees, upkeep, accommodation and other school materials needed.
This situation drove us to find a way to help these bright, but financially restricted students to start and complete their university education, live their dreams and be a part of building the development that Kenya needs and deserves.
The effects are measured by the «Sustainable Development Goals» of the UN: Quality education, gender equality, decent work and economic growth, reduced inequalities, and partnerships for the goals.
Loans of US$ 900 to 1 ́500 p.a. for university fees and cost of living to carefully evaluated and strictly selected students in Kenya.
Accompanied by a mentoring programme throughout the period of study.
Headquartered in Nairobi with Kenyan Management, international Board supported by the Swiss Association.
Non-governmental, operated by private initiative, linked with partners and universities.
Financing
Financial and organisational sustainability with initial funding by the Swiss Association.
Strict corporate governance principles for budgeting, reporting, and controlling.
12%-15% annual interest rate1, payable from the beginning of the loan period.
Disbursement over 1 to 5 years, same timeframe for the repayment
We are located in Westlands-Nairobi, Kenya at The Westwood towers 8th Floor. We are open from Monday to Friday from 8:00am till 5:00pm.
CONTACT US info@uniportloans.co.ke
+254 739 652 513
Our International Location
8th Floor, The Westwood
Westlands Nairobi, Kenya.
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