19th February 2024….325 students in Kipkelion East sub-county are set to benefit from a standard library commissioned by the Finlays Community Trust in Sitian Secondary School, Kericho County.

The new library is part of the Trust’s educational infrastructure projects launched in 2010 where it has invested over Ksh. 300.9 million to support inclusive development and improve the lives of communities in Bomet and Kericho Counties.

Under the infrastructure pillar, the Trust has invested Ksh. 36.6 million in the construction of 14 libraries in Kericho and Bomet counties; providing essential learning resources for students and fostering a culture of learning within local communities. Over 4,561 students continue to benefit from the 14 libraries, enabling them to bridge educational gaps and contribute to the sustainable development of the community.

Speaking during the library commissioning the Finlays Community Trust Chairman Bishop Alfred Rotich said,”The Trust recognises the educational challenges faced by our communities, and this library stands as a testament to our commitment to fostering quality education in Kericho and Bomet counties. By providing a conducive learning environment, we aim to bridge educational gaps, empower individuals and create a brighter future for the underserved communities. This initiative is an investment in knowledge, a vital resource for unlocking the true potential of our community members, paving the way for a more prosperous future.”

“The Trust has also invested in a mentorship program as well as a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program to support students in developing their skills and advancing their careers. Building a more conducive learning environment will help to improve student outcomes and provide the necessary tools to build a stronger education framework in the two counties,” he added.

The Trust has also implemented various infrastructure projects within the two counties which include the construction of a complete two-streamed secondary school at a cost of Kshs.110 million, 20 laboratories, 13 classrooms, six dining halls and five dormitories. So far, the Trust has implemented over 76 infrastructure projects in the two counties.

In addition to the infrastructure projects, the Trust recently awarded 20 students bound to join secondary school with a scholarship to cover their four-year education. The students who hail from Bomet and Kericho counties each received a maximum of Kes. 50,000 annual fees totalling to a collated value of Kes. 4,000,000 over their period of study.

The Finlays Community Trust was officially launched in 2021 as an independent charitable trust to replace Finlays Charitable Trust. The Trust aims to empower communities and nurture sustainable growth in Kericho and Bomet Counties. To achieve this, the Trust has been guided by its mission to create sustainable, long-term impact by supporting a variety of projects and initiatives across the strategic pillars of education, infrastructure, health and disaster relief. The Trust is funded collaboratively by Browns Plantations Kenya and Finlays.

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About the Finlays Community Trust

The Finlays Community Trust is an independent charity that empowers communities and nurtures sustainable growth in Kericho and Bomet Counties. Funded by Browns Plantations Kenya (formerly James Finlay Kenya), the Trust aims to deliver maximum social, environmental, and economic benefits by taking a collaborative approach and appointing trustees who represent local communities, thus creating shared value. By partnering with the community, we ensure the Trust invests in and supports the projects and initiatives that have the most meaningful and enduring impact.

Contacts:

Zackayo Ochieng

Communication Officer, Browns Plantations Kenya,

zackayo.ochieng@brownsplantations.co.ke or 0796438556

For further information please visit https://www.finlayscommunitytrust.co.ke/