Finlays Unveils Scholarships for Needy Students
The Finlays Community Trust has awarded 28 students from Kericho and Bomet counties with undergraduate university scholarships to various universities in the country.
The event was attended by the Chief Administrative Secretary for Education, Dr. Sara Ruto, trustees from the Finlays Community Trust, the beneficiaries, their guardians as well as representatives from James Finlay (Kenya) Limited.
“I am impressed by the steps being taken by the Finlays Community Trust to ensure that our young people have access to education. These scholarships will go a long way in ensuring that the students have a comfortable stay and can focus solely on their education. The Trust, is a good example of the progress that can be made when we come together to develop our communities” Dr. Ruto said.
Speaking during the awarding of the scholarship, the chairperson of the Finlays Community Trust, Rt. Rev. Alfred K. Rotich noted that they are committed to the all-round development of communities in Kericho and Bomet.
“It is for this reason that education is a key pillar of our work. We believe that investing in our children’s education today, has a better return on investment for the community and society as a whole in future.”
To-date, 316 students have benefitted from the programme at the cost of Ksh.75.7 million. The Undergraduate University Scholarship Programme was started in 1991 targeting bright and needy students from the community. Each year, 28 students are admitted for this programme which provides a laptop and Kshs 150,000/ per student per year for the entire duration of study. The scholarship is a preserve of students from all the eleven Constituencies of Bomet and Kericho Counties.
In August, Finlays Community Trust pledged to increase the funding available for secondary school and local university scholarships from Ksh 12.3million per year to Ksh 23.1million. This will ensure that more children from the community at various levels of education receive the necessary support required to achieve their dreams.
In addition to scholarships (Secondary school, undergraduate and Masters), the Finlays Community Trust aims to deliver maximum social, environmental and economic benefits by taking a collaborative approach in working with the local communities. The Trust, which is funded to the tune of Ksh 45 million by Finlays, focuses on different projects including welfare, infrastructure, conservation of the environment, sustainable energy and education for communities.
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