In a bold step to support higher education and youth empowerment, a multinational company, Browns Plantations-Kenya, has awarded full undergraduate scholarships to 28 bright and needy students from Bomet and Kericho counties at a colourful ceremony held at Bomet Hotel.
The beneficiaries include 22 top-performing students—two from each constituency across Bomet and Kericho counties—and six dependents of Browns Plantations employees, reflecting the company’s commitment to uplift the lives of the neighbouring community and workers and in fulfilment of the company’s corporate social responsibility programme.
Browns Plantations Kenya CEO, Dushanth Ratwatte, disclosed that each scholarship is worth Sh150,000 per academic year, covering tuition fees in Kenya’s public universities, together with a laptop so as to enhance digital learning for the beneficiaries.
The CEO disclosed that this year’s total investment in the scholarship programme amounts to Sh19.9 million and urged the beneficiaries to work hard in their studies so as to give value to the investment.
“Education transforms potential into progress. By investing in education, we are not just transforming lives; we’re laying the groundwork for long-term community development,” said Mr. Ratwatte.
Since its inception, Browns’ education programmes have reached over 1,147 beneficiaries, including 586 secondary school students, 80 Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) learners, 456 undergraduate students, and 25 postgraduate scholars.
In addition to scholarships, the company has invested over Sh317 million in 79 education infrastructure projects across Bomet and Kericho. These range from modernising classrooms in secondary schools to equipping TVET workshops, libraries, laboratories, dormitories, and dining halls.
“Investing in one student plants the seed of progress for a community—investing in many allows us to harvest huge fruits in the near future,” Mr. Ratwatte observed.
Beyond financial aid, Browns’ mentorship programme has reached over 11,000 learners in 11 schools, building confidence, life skills, and discipline—leading to improved academic performance and behaviour.
The event was graced by Prof. Charles Mutai, Principal, Bomet University College, who delivered a speech on behalf of Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research.
“The government is committed to expanding access to quality higher education, but this mission cannot be achieved in isolation. We commend Browns Plantations Kenya for complementing our efforts by ensuring that bright, needy students can access university education. Partnerships like these accelerate our shared vision of a knowledge-driven, inclusive economy,” noted Dr. Inyangala.
Last month, 40 TVET scholarships were awarded to learners from the two counties to study at Belgut and Konoin Technical Training Institutes in Automotive Engineering and Plumbing Technology, showcasing the company’s full-spectrum approach to education support across all levels.
With each scholarship and mentorship effort, Browns Plantations Kenya continues to shape not just individual futures but the future of entire communities.
By Nickson Terer
