As Kenya steps up its national push to address youth unemployment through technical education, Browns Plantations Kenya Limited, in partnership with Finlays, has awarded KSh 8.3 million in scholarships to 39 students from Kericho and Bomet counties.
The grant, disbursed through the Browns and Finlays Community Trust, marks the latest intake in a growing technical and vocational education and training (TVET) initiative designed to bridge the country’s industrial skills gap.
The awards ceremony also celebrated the graduation of the program’s inaugural 2024 cohort. Six graduates received trade-specific start-up toolkits—containing essential professional tools valued at up to KSh 50,000 each—following their completion of technical training and structured post-training mentorship.
With this latest intake, the TVET Scholarship Programme has now supported 119 beneficiaries, representing a cumulative investment of approximately KSh 25.7 million since its launch in 2024.
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A Full-Cycle Approach to Employability
Unlike traditional academic funding models that cover tuition alone, the TVET Scholarship Programme provides a end-to-end career transition pipeline. It integrates financial assistance, formal technical training, post-training mentorship, industrial attachments, and direct workplace exposure.
The 39 new scholars were selected from all 11 constituencies across Kericho and Bomet counties. They will undertake market-aligned courses in Automotive Engineering, Building and Construction, Electrical Installation, and Plumbing Technology at Belgut Technical Training Institute and Konoin Technical Training Institute.
Speaking during the event, Mr. Dushanth Ratwatte, Chief Executive Officer of Browns Plantations Kenya Limited and Patron of the Browns and Finlays Community Trust, emphasized that closing the youth employment gap requires holistic support.
“Kenya’s future competitiveness will depend on a workforce equipped with practical, industry-relevant skills,” Ratwatte said.
“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.”
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The ceremony was presided over by Mr. Sammy Chemoiwa, Principal of Rift Valley National Polytechnic, alongside key representatives from national and county governments, TVET leadership, community leaders, and guardians.
Long-Term Regional Investment
The TVET initiative aligns with national policy frameworks leveraging technical training as a driver for industrialization, job creation, and economic growth.
To date, Browns Plantations Kenya has invested more than KSh 360 million in scholarships and over KSh 350 million in education infrastructure—supporting local schools, TVET institutions, and community facilities across both counties through the Trust.
Funding for the Browns and Finlays Community Trust is shared between the corporate partners, with Browns Plantations Kenya contributing 80 percent and Finlays providing 20 percent toward local socio-economic and infrastructure projects.
