In a bold demonstration of commitment to education and youth empowerment, the Finlays Community Trust has awarded full undergraduate scholarships to 28 academically gifted but financially disadvantaged students from Bomet and Kericho counties. The awards were presented during a colourful ceremony held at Fair Hills Hotel in Bomet County.

Of the total scholarships, twenty-two were granted to top-performing students, with two selected from each constituency in both counties, while six were awarded to dependents of Browns Plantations Kenya and Finlays Tea Solutions Kenya employees. This approach reflects the Trust’s deep-rooted dedication to uplifting education both in the wider community and within its own workforce.

Each scholarship is valued at KSh 150,000 per academic year and covers tuition at approved public universities in Kenya. In addition, each recipient received a laptop computer to enhance digital literacy, research capability, and academic success. In total, the Trust has invested KSh 19.9 million this year alone to ensure that these bright minds have the resources they need to thrive.

Since its inception, the Finlays Community Trust’s scholarship programme has transformed the lives of more than 1,147 students. This includes hundreds of secondary school learners, dozens of Technical and Vocational Education and Training students, hundreds of undergraduates, and several postgraduate scholars who have benefited from the Trust’s investment in education.

Speaking at the event, Chairperson Bishop Alfred Rotich praised the students for their hard work and resilience and reaffirmed the Trust’s mission.

“Education is the catalyst that transforms potential into progress,” he said. “By investing in our youth, we are shaping a future where opportunity is not determined by background, but by talent and determination. Since inception, our scholarship programme has touched the lives of more than 1,100 students, laying the groundwork for a more equitable and prosperous society.”

In a speech delivered on her behalf by Prof. Eric Koech, Vice-Chancellor of the University of Kabianga, Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, Principal Secretary, State Department for Higher Education and Research, commended the company for its significant contribution to advancing Kenya’s education goals:

“The government is committed to expanding access to quality higher education, but this mission cannot be achieved in isolation. We commend the Finlays Community Trust 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,” she said.

The Trust’s contribution to education goes far beyond scholarship awards. Over the years, it has channelled more than KSh 317 million into seventy-nine education infrastructure projects in Bomet and Kericho counties. These investments have led to the construction and equipping of a fully-fledged secondary school, state-of-the-art TVET workshops, modern classrooms, well-stocked libraries, science laboratories, safe dormitories, and spacious dining halls, creating environments where young people can truly thrive.

In addition to physical infrastructure, the Trust has run a vibrant mentorship programme that has reached more than 11,000 learners in eleven schools. Through mentorship, students have gained confidence, developed life skills, and been inspired to set higher goals, resulting in stronger academic performance, improved discipline, and a renewed determination to succeed.

Most recently, in July 2025, the Trust expanded its technical training support by awarding forty scholarships to students enrolled at Belgut and Konoin Technical Training Institutes. These scholarships enable students to pursue market-relevant skills in automotive engineering, building and construction, electrical installation, and plumbing technology, helping to prepare a skilled workforce for Kenya’s growing economy.

The Finlays Community Trust is an independent charity funded primarily by Browns Plantations Kenya, alongside Finlays Tea Extracts Kenya. It delivers long-term social, environmental, and economic benefits through collaborative projects in education, water, environmental conservation, and community empowerment in Bomet and Kericho counties.

Browns Plantations Kenya, the Trust’s primary funder, is a leading tea producer and exporter managing over 5,000 hectares of tea and 2,000 hectares of forestry in the two counties. The company is part of the Browns Group, under LOLC Holdings PLC, one of Sri Lanka’s largest and most profitable listed corporations. Sustainability, community empowerment, diversity, and child protection remain central to its operations.

Through these scholarships and wider investments, the Finlays Community Trust continues to affirm its belief that education is the most powerful tool for breaking the cycle of poverty and unlocking the potential of future generations.