From Kisumu to Essex: Willis Onyango Obanda’s Journey with the Chevening Scholarship

My name is Willis Onyango Obanda, born and raised in the vibrant lakeside town of Kisumu, Kenya. My early education took place in my hometown before I moved to Nairobi to study at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT). There, I pursued a Bachelor of Science in Biostatistics, graduating with Second Class Honors.

Educational Background

While my academic background may seem rooted in data and numbers, my professional journey led me in a different but deeply purposeful direction: criminal investigation. It’s through this lens that I began to see the bigger picture: the deep-rooted complexities of organized crime, terrorism, and national security. These realizations fueled my desire to return to academia, this time with a mission, to understand, analyze, and help combat these threats at a higher level. That’s what led me to pursue an MSc in Organized Crime, Terrorism and Security.

The Scholarship That Changed Everything

I was incredibly honored to be selected as part of the Chevening Scholarship Cohort of 2023/2024, funded by the UK Government’s Foreign, Commonwealth and Development Office. Chevening is more than a scholarship — it’s a global network of future leaders who are committed to driving positive change in their communities and countries.

With the scholarship, I enrolled in the University of Essex, which offered an outstanding program aligned with my career goals. Out of the three institutions I applied to, the University of Essex, University College London (UCL), and London Metropolitan University, Essex gave me an unconditional offer, even waiving the English language requirement. Since I completed all my education in English, and given that English is Kenya’s official language, the waiver was granted without issue.

In April 2025, I proudly graduated with a Distinction, a reflection of both the academic rigor of the program and the commitment I put into every aspect of the journey.

Preparing for the Journey

My background as a criminal investigator prepared me well for this next academic chapter. The work exposed me to the real-world implications of crime and security, and sparked my interest in exploring it further through structured research and policy-focused studies.

When it came to finding the right universities, I used the “Find a Course” feature on the Chevening website, which helped me shortlist institutions that offered my program. Chevening requires applicants to apply to three UK universities, so I made sure to complete all the university and scholarship applications concurrently, managing timelines and requirements carefully.

As for the scholarship preparation itself, I went all in. I watched interviews and stories of Chevening alumni on YouTube, scoured the Chevening website for detailed guidelines, and even researched UK involvement in Kenya via the GOV.UK website. I also connected with past Chevening scholars, whose insights and encouragement were invaluable.

What Made My Application Stand Out

I believe what truly set my application apart were the four key pillars Chevening emphasizes: leadership and influence, networking, study in the UK, and career planning. Through my essays and during the interview, I was able to articulate my vision, highlight my community impact, and demonstrate how I plan to use my UK education to contribute meaningfully back home in Kenya.

Lessons and Advice

If I could go through the process again, I would start preparing earlier, especially in writing and refining my personal statements. The process can be demanding, and giving yourself enough time to reflect and revise is key.

For future applicants, here’s my advice:

Understand the Chevening values inside and out.

Tell your story authentically — it’s not just about achievements but about your purpose and potential.

Connect with alumni, watch videos, read blogs, and treat the process like a learning journey.

And most importantly, believe in yourself.