A total of Sh8.3 million scholarship has been awarded to 40 students from less fortunate families in Kericho and Bomet counties to join Technical Vocational Education Training Institutes (TVET) to pursue various technical courses.
The inaugural TVET scholarship programme courtesy of the Finlays Community Trust was held at a Kericho hotel where beneficiaries accompanied by their parents were awarded the scholarships to join Belgut and Konoin Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET).
The Regional Deputy Director TVET Kenya Mrs. Zipporah Njoroge who was the chief guest commended the Community Trust for its continued dedication to fostering education and empowering the youth in Kericho and Bomet.
She said the TVET Scholarship Programme represents a significant new milestone in the Trust’s commitment to supporting the education sector.
“The government will continue to engage and partner with all stakeholders to ensure that all Kenyan students have equitable access to quality education, research, innovation, entrepreneurship, and employability opportunities for the benefit of their communities and the posterity of Kenya,” Ms. Njoroge added.
Finlays Community Trust Chairperson Bishop Alfred Rotich said the Trust now provides scholarships for all education levels adding that to-date, the scholarship has benefited a total of 586 secondary school students, 400 undergraduate students, and 23 graduates students in Kericho and Bomet counties at a cost of Sh276.2 million.
Bishop Rotich emphasized that the launch of the programme would not only provide improved access to education but have also catalyzed economic progress within the communities, instilling a spirit of innovation and creativity, and nurturing self-resilience among the beneficiaries.
He pointed out that education plays a pivotal role in the society’s future, urging beneficiaries to approach the new stage of education knowing that they were bright and could conquer any challenges as they had a community behind them.
“We recognize and value the community’s need for human capital, and providing scholarships is one of the most reliable ways to foster long-term growth and sustainability in this area,” said Bishop Rotich
Finalys Community Trust Secretary Sammy Kirui, said a rigorous process was followed in identifying the most deserving students who scored either a D or a D+ in KCSE, adding that the scholarships would cover students’ education until their study sessions were done.
He further assured that after their training, the beneficiaries would each receive financial capital as a starter pack to enable them venture into self-employment and apply the technical skills learned.
The Managing Director of the Brown’s Plantations LTD Simeon Hutchinson also graced the occasion.
Further, the Finlays Community Trust has invested Sh305.6 million in over 76 education infrastructure projects across Kericho and Bomet counties. The projects include the construction of classroom blocks, science laboratories, libraries, dormitories, and a dining hall.
By Zipporah Njambi and Colin Kemoi
