Ekko Insights is excited to support the next generation of development and public policy researchers and leaders. As such, we offer two annual fellowships to master’s students currently enrolled in Kenyan universities who would like to complete fieldwork between May and October 2025 towards the completion of the research requirements for their programmes. It is our expectation that the fellowship helps enable more extensive fieldwork than might otherwise be possible without research funding and facilitates masters completions for selected students.  We are looking to fund original and potentially high-impact research among outstanding students who bring unique perspectives to development issues.

The fellowship will include both funding and mentorship from Ekko Insights staff and external advisors.  Two fellows will each be awarded KES 200,000, meant to cover both research costs and a living stipend for the fellow during the fieldwork.  Fellows will be expected to present their research at a gathering of development scholars hosted by Ekko in November 2025 and to write a blog post for Ekko Insights’ Substack, The Development Ekko. 

The fellowship is open to all disciplines, but the research proposal must speak to a pressing development-related issue. We will be especially excited about proposals that intersect with Ekko’s core domains of experience including health, digitalisation, and development pathways for the future.

All applications must be submitted by 11:59pm on 16 March 2025. Shortlisted applications will be reviewed by a panel of Ekko partners and collaborators and finalists will be invited for interviews. Final decisions will be announced by the end of April.

Selection Criteria:

• Currently enrolled in masters programme in a Kenyan university with fieldwork scheduled between May-October 2025;

• Research ideas that are original and policy relevant;

• Proposed research approaches that match the research question, are rigorous, and that can practically be implemented in the fellowship window; and

• Commitments to public engagement and research that serves the public interest.

Application Requirements:

• A research proposal, including a rationale, methodology, workplan, timeline, and budget. You can submit this in any form. If you already have an approved proposal, you can share that. If not, we suggest you limit yourself to 2500 words to summarize your proposal. Please note that it is often very clear if your proposal is AI-generated, and that will indicate to us that you are not committed to rigorous fieldwork and analysis.

• CV of fewer than five pages

• A brief bio that tells us about key aspects of your background, interests, and aspirations (500 words maximum)

• Contact information for two references, at least one of which must be your current academic supervisor. We suggest including references that can speak to your academic and research experience and potential. (An endorsement from your supervisor will be required for all final awardees.)

To apply, submit all requested materials to info@ekko-insights.com by 16 March 2025.