Philanthropist and Entrepreneur Bob Mwiti has launched the Bob Mwiti Foundation, a new platform aimed at expanding access to education, creating opportunities for young people and supporting community development in Meru.
Speaking in Meru town during the launch, Mwiti said the foundation was a continuation of his long-standing commitment to uplifting young people through education and mentorship.
“The Bob Mwiti Foundation represents more than an organisation; it is a commitment to empowering young people, creating opportunities, and giving back to the community that has shaped my journey. This is just the beginning of a greater mission,” Mwiti said.
Mwiti, who also founded the International Scholars Program, hosted leaders, education stakeholders, and community members during the event, which was attended by Dr Bundi Karau, former Buuri MP Kinoti Gatobu, and Meru County Sports Executive Elias Murega Julius.
Also present were principals and school leaders from Nkubu High School, St. Mary’s Girls High School Igoji, Meru School and Miathene Boys High School, alongside academic representatives from Meru University of Science and Technology.
Dr Karau praised Mwiti’s contribution to education and community service, quoting the late Geoffrey Griffin to emphasise the value of service beyond personal duty.
“This world is full of people who do their duty half-heartedly, grudgingly and poorly. Don’t be like them. Whatever your duty is, do it as fully and perfectly as you possibly can,” Karau said, adding that Mwiti had shown uncommon dedication to uplifting others.
He said Mwiti had remained actively involved in local empowerment efforts despite living abroad.
“Despite living over 8,000 kilometres away, Bob Mwiti is more involved in initiatives to empower our people than many of us who live here,” Karau said.
Karau noted that the International Scholars Program had grown from supporting one student to nearly 1,000 students joining universities in the United States.
The International Scholars Program is an educational placement and student support organisation that helps African students secure admission to postgraduate programmes, primarily in science, technology, engineering, mathematics, and business, in the United States and Canada.
Its work includes guiding applicants through the university admissions process, preparing key documents such as transcripts, recommendation letters, and statements of purpose, identifying institutions offering funding or student loan opportunities, preparing students for visa interviews, and advising them on relocation and settlement after admission.
It is a structured programme that supports students in accessing overseas education opportunities through university funding, grants and education financing.
The programme is said to have been founded in 2018 in Nairobi under the name Kenya Airlift Program before later rebranding to International Scholars Program as it expanded beyond Kenya to serve students from other countries as well.
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“From one student, he has enrolled almost 1,000 students in American universities. What is even deeper is that the programme is headquartered in Meru, where Bob has provided direct jobs to almost 100 young graduates,” said Karau.
Former Buuri MP Gatobu also hailed Mwiti’s consistency in community work, recalling his active role in alumni initiatives and development programmes.
The foundation is expected to focus on scholarships, mentorship and community-based support programmes targeting young people across the county.
By John Majau
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