Participants during the launch of the KPC scholarship/LEAH MUKANGAIThe Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Foundation has unveiled a new educational initiative aimed at empowering students with disabilities in the country.
The Inuka Plus scholarship programme is aimed at supporting students to advance their education in universities and TVETs.
It builds on the success of its predecessor Inuka programme launched in 2017 to support needy and physically challenged students pursue secondary education.
During the launch, some 25 beneficiaries who underwent a vetting process were awarded certificates.
They are set to join various institutions to pursue various courses in medicine, education, and pharmacy among others.
KPC managing director Joe Sang, who presided over the event said they are spending up to Sh41 million yearly on the programme.
The scholarship given to students covers full tuition fees, meals, accommodation, and assistive devices.
It also covers mentoring, psychosocial support, and leadership development.
He explained that the programme aims to offer a holistic approach to support students, addressing not only educational needs but also personal and professional growth.
"Our motivation to start this new programme was to bridge the gap. It was about how can we support these students transition to higher-level education after completing high school," he stated.
Upon completion of their studies, the beneficiaries will also get an opportunity to participate in the competitive recruitment process in the company, he said.
Sang at the same time stated that they would be reaching out to other corporates to help in supporting the programme.
National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPD) CEO Harun Hassan who was presen praised KPC for the initiative.
He said the programme would play a pivotal role in enhancing the inclusion of students with disabilities in Kenya’s educational and professional landscapes.
"This is not a mean achievement. It demonstrates a commitment to breaking barriers and creating a more inclusive environment," he said
He also acknowledged the impact the initiative will have on empowering these students in academic pursuits and helping them intergrate into the country's workforce.
Since its inception, a total of 746 students have been supported to complete secondary schools.
Vetting of beneficiaries is done by the NCPD and county officers after the application process.
This is to ensure that only those deserving cases are considered.
Apart from this, KPC Foundation is also involved in various in education, health, environment, economic empowerment, and emergencies.
So far, it has managed to build 46 classrooms, nine dormitories, eight laboratories, resource centers and acquired buses for schools across the country.
It has also drilled seven boreholes and grown trees in various parts of the country.