Second-year university students under the Kenya Education Fund (KEF) have benefited from a two-day Alumni Engagement Forum in Nairobi aimed at equipping them with practical skills and knowledge beyond the classroom.

The pilot forum brought together KEF students, alumni, professionals, mentors and facilitators for conversations focusing on some of the key opportunities and challenges facing university students as they prepare for life and careers beyond campus.

Among the issues discussed were financial literacy, mental health, personal branding, entrepreneurship, university mentorship and navigating “black tax.”

The organisers said the forum was designed to give students an opportunity to learn directly from people who have already walked the university and professional journey, while also creating networks that could support them beyond graduation.

Through interactions with KEF alumni and professionals, the students were encouraged to look beyond academic qualifications and develop the skills, confidence and connections needed to navigate the transition from university into the workplace and wider society.

The discussions on financial literacy provided students with insights into managing their finances and preparing for the responsibilities that often come with employment and adulthood. Conversations around entrepreneurship and personal branding, meanwhile, highlighted the importance of identifying opportunities and building a strong professional identity while still at university.

Mental health was also among the key areas addressed, underscoring the need for students to prioritise their wellbeing as they navigate academic pressure, career uncertainty and other challenges associated with university life.

The forum also tackled the issue of “black tax”, a reality faced by many young professionals who are expected to financially support family members once they begin earning an income.

KEF said connecting students with alumni and mentors was an important step in helping young people prepare for the realities that await them after university.

The organisation expressed appreciation to the alumni, professionals, mentors and facilitators who gave their time and shared their experiences with the students during the two-day engagement.

The pilot programme further highlighted the importance of community and mentorship in shaping the next generation of graduates.

By creating opportunities for students to interact with people who have already navigated similar journeys, KEF hopes to strengthen its support system and ensure that students are prepared not only to graduate but also to identify opportunities, handle responsibilities and navigate the challenges of life after university.

The forum comes at a time when university students are increasingly being encouraged to complement academic qualifications with practical skills, professional networks, financial awareness and entrepreneurial thinking.

KEF said the initiative is part of its broader commitment to empowering students and creating opportunities that extend beyond the traditional classroom experience.

The two-day engagement ended with a renewed emphasis on learning, growth, mentorship, networking and creating opportunities beyond the classroom, with students expected to carry the lessons and connections gained into their university journey and future careers.