Kericho, Bomet students benefit from Sh8.7m scholarships

At least 40 students from Bomet and Kericho counties have a reason to smile after being awarded full Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scholarships worth a total of Sh8.7 million by the Finlays Community Trust.

The beneficiaries, drawn from underprivileged backgrounds, will receive comprehensive tuition support to pursue technical courses at Belgut and Konoin Technical Training Institutes. 

In addition, each student will be equipped with a start-up toolkit worth Sh50,000 upon graduation to help kickstart their careers.

The scholarship programme, now in its second year, is part of the Trust’s long-term commitment to strengthening skills development, improving livelihoods, and fostering economic empowerment in the region.

"This initiative will play a crucial role in shaping the future of our communities,” said Finlays Community Trust Board of Trustees chairperson Bishop Alfred Rotich.

He spoke during an event in Kericho on Friday.

“By investing in education, we are laying the foundation for a prosperous and skilled workforce capable of driving Kenya’s industrial and economic growth.”

What sets the programme apart is its comprehensive approach, going beyond tuition to offer real-world experience. 

Through a strategic partnership with Browns Plantations Kenya, the students will also access industrial attachment and job placement opportunities upon completing their training.

In support of technical education, the Trust has also invested in building modern training facilities at Chepseon Youth Polytechnic and Sot Technical Training Institute.

Since its inception, it has invested over Sh317 million in 79 education infrastructure projects across Bomet and Kericho, including classrooms, laboratories, dormitories, libraries, and workshops.

TVET Education Principal Secretary Esther Muoria praised the initiative as a national model for empowering rural youth.

"This is a remarkable achievement that reflects a steadfast commitment to educational empowerment. The programme addresses not only access to skills training, but also broader issues like poverty, inequality, and unemployment,” she said.

Since 2021, Finlays Community Trust has steadily expanded its scholarship portfolio to cover learners at all levels. 

So far, it has supported over 1,100 students, including 586 in secondary school, 80 in TVET, 428 in undergraduate programmes, and 25 at the postgraduate level.

The Trust also runs a student mentorship programme, launched in 2023, which has reached more than 11,000 learners across 11 schools with life skills training and career guidance.

Finlays Community Trust is an independent charity supported by Browns Plantations Kenya and Finlays. 

Its initiatives focus on scholarships, educational infrastructure, mentorship, water access, and environmental conservation in Bomet and Kericho counties. 

Browns Plantations Kenya, a leading tea grower managing over 5,000 hectares of tea estates, is the Trust’s principal sponsor and part of the Browns Groupunder LOLC Holdings PLC.