KTDA Foundation to pay secondary fees for 95 needy students from tea zones

The Kenya Tea Development Agency (KTDA) Foundation has given full sponsorships to 95 needy students from tea growing zones for their secondary education.

The lucky students scored more than 350 marks in the 2015 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exam.

The foundation will also assist another 240 needy students in secondary schools to complete their education.

Speaking in Nairobi when he unveiled the 335 beneficiaries Wednesday, KTDA Foundation Chairman Peter Kanyago said the first group that benefited from the scholarship programme will sit their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exam in 2016.

“The KTDA Foundation scholarship programme not only uplifts bright students from tea growing zones by sponsoring their tuition but it also caters for their basic necessities that are important for their success.

“The scholarship also offers guidance and counselling, which is important in building the scholars’ character,” Mr Kanyago said.

“Through this scholarship, KTDA Foundation hopes to mould these students to become the drivers of Kenya’s economy and to become global citizens,” he added.

Every year, the Foundation brings together all the beneficiaries to Nairobi to impart life skills through a week-long mentorship workshop.

“This is important in building the scholars’ character, gives them an opportunity to discover their strengths and equips them with skills to counter the challenges they face in life,” Mr Kanyago said.

KTDA Chief executive officer Lerionka Tiampati said the education programme is aimed at inspiring creativity and innovation among the young generation.

“Through the foundation’s education pillar, we seek to give needy students hope for a bright future,” Mr Tiampati said.

The Foundation was set up in 2010 and is the corporate social responsibility arm of KTDA.