Finlays Community Trust has commissioned a standard library at Sitian Secondary School, located in Kipkelion East sub-county, Kericho County. Over 325 students are set to benefit from the library.
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 (formerly James Finaly Kenya) and Finlays.
