A tea company in Nandi County has stepped up efforts to support education by awarding full scholarships to bright but needy students.
The programme, which has been going on for years now, is in line with the government’s push for 100 per cent transition to senior school.
Eastern Produce Kenya (EPK) has onboarded its first cohort of 10 learners drawn from humble backgrounds into its education scholarship programme.
The group comprises seven students under the 8-4-4 system currently in Form Three, and three learners in the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) senior school level.
EPK Operations Manager Noel Smith said the initiative is part of the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) and reflects its commitment to expanding access to quality education.
“Education is the greatest equaliser. Our programme at EPK seeks to give access to high-quality education,” said Smith. “The first cohort of our scholarship beneficiaries is in Form Three and will graduate in 2027, whereas the second cohort is the one in senior school.”
Speaking during the launch of the beneficiaries’ mentorship programme at Nandi Bears Club in Nandi Hills, Smith noted that the company conducts a thorough vetting process to ensure only deserving and genuinely needy students benefit from the scholarships.
“As a company, we scrutinise applications carefully to ensure fairness. We value education, and that is why we are keen on empowering the surrounding community,” he added.
Beyond paying school fees, the programme also caters for students’ shopping needs and transport to and from school, allowing them to focus fully on their studies without disruptions.
Smith challenged the beneficiaries to make the most of the opportunity by working hard in their academics and becoming agents of change in their communities.
Nandi County Director of Education Harrison Muriuki praised EPK for the initiative, urging parents of beneficiaries to remain actively involved in their children’s education.
“Parents should not relax simply because their children have received scholarships. They should support other siblings and begin planning early for university education,” said Muriuki.
He also called on parents to instil discipline in their children during the school holidays, noting that character development begins at home.
Chepkunyuk Ward MCA John Keter also commended the company for its continued investment in the community, citing infrastructure development in local schools and the provision of learning materials.
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“I want to congratulate the beneficiaries for being awarded scholarships by EPK. Count this as a privilege and work tirelessly towards achieving your goals,” Keter said.
The scholarship programme is expected to grow in the coming years as the company deepens its community outreach and education support initiatives
By Kimutai Langat
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