Key Highlights:
- 39 students from Kericho and Bomet counties awarded TVET scholarships worth KSh 8.3 million.
- Six graduates from the inaugural 2024 cohort received trade-specific start-up toolkits valued at up to KSh 50,000 each.
- The programme has now supported 119 students through an investment of approximately KSh 25.7 million since its launch in 2024.
Kericho, Kenya | 31 July 2026: The Finlays Community Trust has awarded KSh 8.3 million in Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) scholarships to support 39 young people from Kericho and Bomet counties as they pursue industry-relevant technical skills.
With technical support and funding from Browns Plantations Kenya Limited and Finlays, the scholarship programme continues to expand access to quality technical education, strengthen youth employability and create pathways for young people to transition into employment, self-employment and entrepreneurship.
The scholarship awards were presented through the Finlays Community Trust TVET Scholarship Programme, which supports students pursuing market-driven technical courses in Automotive Engineering, Building and Construction, Electrical Installation and Plumbing Technology at Belgut Technical Training Institute in Kericho County and Konoin Technical Training Institute in Bomet County.
The ceremony also marked an important milestone for the programme as six graduates from the inaugural 2024 TVET scholarship cohort received trade-specific start-up toolkits, comprising essential professional tools and equipment valued at up to KSh 50,000 each, after successfully completing technical training and structured post-training mentorship.
The graduate toolkits are designed to support young people as they begin their professional journeys by providing them with the practical resources needed to apply their skills, pursue employment opportunities and establish sustainable livelihoods.
The latest awards bring the total number of beneficiaries supported through the Finlays Community Trust TVET Scholarship Programme to 119 students, representing an investment of approximately KSh 25.7 million since the programme was launched in 2024.
Unlike conventional scholarship programmes that focus primarily on tuition support, the programme provides a broader employability pathway combining financial assistance, technical training, post-training mentorship, industrial attachment and workplace exposure.
The 39 scholarship recipients, drawn from all 11 constituencies across Kericho and Bomet counties, will undertake technical training designed to equip them with practical skills aligned with labour market needs and emerging economic opportunities.
Speaking during the ceremony, Mr Dushanth Ratwatte, Chief Executive Officer of Browns Plantations Kenya Limited and Patron of the Trust, emphasised the importance of preparing young people beyond academic qualifications.
“Kenya’s future competitiveness will depend on a workforce equipped with practical, industry-relevant skills. Scholarships open doors, but mentorship, workplace experience and the right tools help young people walk confidently through them. Through this programme, we are preparing young people not only to graduate, but to succeed in employment, entrepreneurship and lifelong careers.”
The ceremony was presided over by Mr Sammy Chemoiwa, Principal of Rift Valley National Polytechnic, alongside representatives from the National and County Governments, TVET institutions, parents, guardians, community leaders and other stakeholders.
Supporting Education and Sustainable Community Development
The TVET Scholarship Programme forms part of the broader community development initiatives implemented through the Finlays Community Trust, which focuses on expanding educational opportunities, strengthening livelihoods and improving community resilience across Kericho and Bomet counties.
Through contributions from its partners, Browns Plantations Kenya Limited and Finlays, the Trust continues to support initiatives in education, healthcare, water access, infrastructure development, sustainable livelihoods and disaster relief.
Browns Plantations Kenya Limited provides 80% of the Trust’s funding, while Finlays contributes 20%, reflecting their shared commitment to creating lasting positive impact in communities where they operate.
Through the Trust, partners continue to invest in programmes that empower young people, strengthen community resilience and create opportunities for sustainable development.
About Finlays Community Trust
Finlays Community Trust is an independent community development trust funded by Browns Plantations Kenya Limited (80%) and Finlays (20%). The Trust works to empower communities and promote sustainable development across Bomet and Kericho counties by investing in education, health, water, infrastructure, and community empowerment programmes. Through a collaborative, partnership-driven approach with local communities and stakeholders, the Trust aims to deliver maximum social, environmental, and economic impact, creating shared value and improving long-term livelihoods in the region.
The Trust works with communities and stakeholders to expand opportunities, improve wellbeing and build resilient communities across Kericho and Bomet counties.
Media Contact
Zackayo Owino
Corporate Communications
Browns Plantations Kenya Limited
zackayo.ochieng@brownsplantations.co.ke
0796 438 556