KTDA Foundation to expand scholarship to University level

The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Foundation is set to expand its education sponsorship of bright need students to university level.

Speaking during the 8th annual mentorship program, KTDA foundation chairman GG Kagombe said that despite massive success in assisting bright needy students, the foundation had fallen short of supporting them in gaining lifelong skills and competences at university level, since it sponsored those at secondary school level only.

The four-day program held in Nairobi, is being attended by 541 students from 19 tea growing counties. It aims to nurture the next generation of innovators, thinkers, and change makers, providing scholarships for bright but financially challenged students to pursue secondary education. 

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Themed “Every Dream Matters; Where Possibilities Meet Potential,” beneficiaries are undergoing intensive mentorship from alumni who are mainly university students sponsored through the program at high school level as well as senior members of staff from the tea agency and its foundation wing.

The foundation has over the years seen an 85% transition rate to tertiary institutions, with most of the beneficiaries joining public universities.

“We have realised that we abandon these students at the time they need us most. We commit to do things differently from the beginning of next year and ensure that those whom we are sponsoring at high school level actually transition to institutions of higher learning”, said Kagombe.

Mwende Kinoti, one of the beneficiaries who hails from Meru County expressed her gratitude after the foundation sponsored her high school education, where she scored an A- in KCSE examinations.

“I hope to do a Medicine course in university,” said Mwende.

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Since its inception, KTDA has supported 1,355 needy and talented students across the 71 factories, underscoring its long-standing commitment to education in tea-growing regions. 

KTDA Holdings Chairman Chege Kirundi, who was among the dignitaries in attendance asked the beneficiaries to strive for academic excellence as he assured them of support. 

The mentorship event continues to inspire and empower young minds, reinforcing the Foundation’s position as a champion of educational progress in tea-growing communities.