Members of the Ogiek Community have welcomed the launch of a KSh500 million scholarship programme targeting minority groups across Kenya, describing it as a landmark step toward bridging long‑standing educational inequalities.
Community representative Maria Samoei said the funding will significantly expand access to education for marginalized groups that have historically been left behind.
“This allocation will greatly improve education among our people, who for many years have been left behind,” Samoei said.
She noted that many children from the Ogiek community have dropped out of school due to lack of fees and the long distances they must walk to reach learning institutions.
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“Most of our children drop out of school because parents cannot afford fees, while others are discouraged by the long distances to schools,” she explained.
Samoei commended President William Ruto for the initiative, saying the community has endured decades of neglect under successive governments.
“We thank President Ruto for remembering minority communities. We have been neglected for many years by successive administrations,” she said.
She further urged the government to fast‑track implementation of the African Court on Human and Peoples’ Rights ruling delivered in Arusha, Tanzania, warning that continued delays amount to a violation of the community’s rights.
“Delaying the implementation of the Arusha court ruling is a violation of our rights. We urge the government to act with speed,” Samoei said.
Her sentiments were echoed by Lily Rotich, who appealed for the immediate release of the scholarship funds to ensure children from minority groups benefit without further delay.
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“We are asking the government to release the money as soon as possible so that our children can benefit,” Rotich said. President Ruto announced the scholarship fund during the commemoration of Minority Groups Day, reiterating his administration’s commitment to uplifting marginalized communities through education.
“This government is committed to ensuring that no community is left behind, and education remains a key pillar in improving lives and livelihoods,” President Ruto said.
During the commemoration of World Minorities Day held on 18th December, at Statehouse Nairobi, President William Ruto announced the launch of the KSh500 million scholarship fund, reaffirming his administration’s commitment to uplifting marginalized groups through education. He emphasized that the initiative is part of a broader government agenda to ensure inclusivity and equity, stressing that no community should be left behind in access to learning opportunities and national development
Kimutai Langat
