By F, KNA
The Uasin Gishu County Government, in partnership with the KCB Foundation, has launched the Uasin Gishu Tujiajiri KCB Scholarship Programme for 2026, aimed at promoting quality education, skills development and youth empowerment across the county.
Under the initiative, 25 students drawn from different parts of Uasin Gishu will benefit from fully funded vocational training.
Speaking during the launch held at the County Headquarters in Eldoret, Governor Dr. Jonathan Bii said the programme is anchored on a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed between the county and the KCB Foundation to support technical skills training and improve livelihoods.
“Through the Tujiajiri Programme, beneficiaries will undertake tailored six- and nine-month training courses and receive toolkits upon graduation, equipping them with practical skills to secure their future,” Governor Bii said.
Bii further revealed that the county government has allocated Sh25 million towards the programme, with the KCB Foundation committing an equal amount.
The governor also outlined plans to strengthen Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) by providing modern training equipment, alongside the construction of 90 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres across the county.
Deputy Governor, Evans Kapkea, challenged the beneficiaries to remain focused and fully utilise the opportunity to improve their livelihoods.
He lauded Governor Bii for prioritising investment in education, noting the doubling of bursaries, employment of ECDE teachers and continued investment in education infrastructure.
“We appreciate the governor for his continued support to the needy and for placing education at the centre of development,” Kapkea said.
KCB Foundation Managing Director, Mendi Njonjo, said that in 2026, the foundation will support more than 1,000 students, representing an investment of approximately Sh600 million to cater for learners in high school and throughout the full four years of tertiary education.
Mendi further revealed that 10 per cent of the scholarship slots have been reserved for persons with disabilities, vulnerable members of society, teen mothers and children facing harmful cultural practices, underscoring the foundation’s commitment to inclusivity.
“Education is the greatest equalizer. It has the power to take a young person from whatever circumstances they are born into to where they are meant to be. Being able to open doors and give students access to education is something we, as a foundation, do not take for granted, and it is what makes me profoundly happy to be here today,” said Mendi.
She commended the Uasin Gishu County Government for implementing transformative initiatives in basic education and vocational training, noting that the Tujiajiri Programme offers learners an opportunity to acquire practical skills that enable sustainable income generation and long-term self-reliance.
On her part, County Executive Committee Member for Education and Vocational Training, Eng. Lucy Ng’endo, said the county has allocated adequate resources to support VTCs and thanked the KCB Foundation for partnering with the county to empower the youth.
The event was also attended by County Secretary Phillip Melly, Education Chief Officer Eunice Suter and County Assembly Education Committee Chairperson Thomas Yego, among other county officials, all of whom urged beneficiaries to make good use of the opportunity to uplift their lives and those of their families.
