Bright and disadvantaged primary and high school students in Naivasha will benefit from Oserian Development Company sponsorship to pursue their education.
Director of Human Resources and Administration at the giant horticultural company Mary Kinyua said a new scholarship programme will initially look for beneficiaries from Oserian Primary, Oserian Secondary and Hilltop Academy where children of the company’s 4,600 workers attend school.
“We have started a programme where the bright students will be sponsored through their primary and secondary education. Those who perform exemplarily in Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education will be facilitated fully to complete their university education,” said Ms Kinyua.
She announced that Oserian Development Company had made policy changes to give priority to students from the three schools in top management employment opportunities.
“We want all the Oserian students to be given preference in interviews for top jobs in the farm. We want them to be at a better chance of getting these jobs and being part of actualizing the Oserian dream,” Ms. Kinyua added.
Managing Director Neil Hellings said the firm has increased investment in education as a way of supporting the government’s Big 4 Agenda.
“To actualize both the Big 4 Agenda and other development initiatives the private sector must complement the government’s efforts in provision of quality and affordable education. We kicked off a new computer programme where courses are being offered to over 1400 students,” he stated.
The Managing Director said the company has also initiated a Sh 13 million school feeding programme besides constructing new classrooms.
“We have constructed a new block of eight classes to prepare for an envisaged increase in school going children population as the firm’s industrial park takes shape. It is expected that the number of people living in the Oserian village will surge to about 20,000 from the current 11,000 as investors take up space at the business park,” he said.
Ms Kinyua warned beneficiaries that their sponsorship may be terminated if they fail to attain the required grades. “We don’t want to hear reports of indiscipline. I urge you all students to embrace hard work and change the fortunes of your families,” she said.
Meanwhile Nakuru County Governor Lee Kinyanjui has congratulated Oserian Development Company for winning International Grower of the Year Award.
The firm is the only African grower nominated for recognition at 2019’s Awards Ceremony, an annual fete organized by the International Association of Horticultural Producers.
“Oserian Development Company Limited is one of Kenya’s largest growers and exporter of cut flowers. The win of the global award that celebrates best practices in flower production and has reinforced Naivasha’s potential of being one of the best cut flower producers in the world” said the governor.
By Anne Mwale
