20th March 2024….The Finlays Community Trust commissioned a new dining hall and kitchen at Kunyak High School; Kipkelion West sub-county, Kericho. The new facility will directly benefit approximately 1,000 students; creating a conducive learning environment to keep students engaged and contribute towards improving student-learning outcomes.

The new dining hall and kitchen are part of the Trust’s infrastructure pillar to support development and improve the lives of communities in Bomet and Kericho Counties. Since 2010, the Trust has invested over Ksh. 295.4 million in infrastructure projects within the two counties. The Trust’s education infrastructure projects align with the government’s Infrastructure Expansion Programme, which aims to equip public secondary schools with high-quality facilities in preparation for the full implementation of the Competency Based Curriculum (CBC).

“Our goal is to empower students by addressing their basic needs. Through this infrastructure project, we hope to see a significant improvement in student concentration, energy levels, and overall health. The Finlays Community Trust is committed to creating an environment where students can learn and thrive.” Said the Finlays Community Trust Chairman Bishop Alfred Rotich.

Recent studies have shown that infrastructure can account for up to 16% of the variation in academic achievement among students. Investing in high-quality school infrastructure, including facilities and a safe and secure environment, have been proven to lead to improved attendance rates, a more focused learning experience, increased student safety and security, and ultimately, reduced dropout rates.

The Trust has implemented over 75 infrastructure projects within Kericho and Bomet counties. Some of the projects include the construction of a complete two-streamed secondary school at a cost of Kshs.110 million, 21 laboratories, 13 classrooms, 13 libraries, six dining halls and five dormitories. Additionally, The Trust has also invested in a mentorship program and will soon launch a Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) program to support students in developing their skills and advancing their careers.

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 both Browns Plantations Kenya, formerly James Finlay Kenya and Finlays.

                                                                                 ENDS.

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 (previously James Finlay Kenya) and Finlays, 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/