How Browns Plantations Scholarships is Changing Lives in Bomet and Kericho

At a hotel in Bomet town this week, tears of joy and hope flowed freely. Twenty-eight young men and women, many from humble backgrounds, clutched scholarship award letters and laptops—symbols of a future once thought out of reach.

For these bright students from Bomet and Kericho counties, the journey to university has often been filled with uncertainty. But thanks to Browns Plantations Kenya, the road ahead now looks a lot clearer.

In a colourful ceremony at Fair Hills Hotel, the company awarded full undergraduate scholarships to the 28 beneficiaries—22 drawn from top-performing students in each constituency and six from families of Browns employees.

The scholarships, each valued at KSh 150,000 per year, will cover tuition at public universities and provide laptops for digital learning. In total, the investment amounts to KSh 22 million—a lifeline for families who might otherwise have struggled to afford higher education.

“Education transforms potential into progress,” said Mr. Dushanth Ratwatte, CEO of Browns Plantations Kenya. “By investing in education, we are not just transforming lives, we’re laying the groundwork for long-term community development.”

Since launching its scholarship programme, Browns Plantations has transformed 1,147 lives—supporting secondary, TVET, undergraduate, and even postgraduate students.

Speaking on behalf of Dr. Beatrice Muganda Inyangala, Principal Secretary for Higher Education, University of Kabianga Vice-Chancellor Prof. Eric Koech praised the company’s role in advancing Kenya’s education agenda.

“The government is committed to expanding access to higher education, but this mission cannot be achieved alone,” he said. “Partnerships like these accelerate our shared vision of a knowledge-driven, inclusive economy.”

Beyond scholarships, Browns’ Community Trust has invested more than KSh 317 million in 79 education infrastructure projects across the two counties—building classrooms, libraries, laboratories, TVET workshops, and even entire schools.

The Trust’s mentorship programme has also reached over 11,000 learners, teaching life skills, discipline, and leadership—efforts that have led to improved academic performance and positive behaviour among students.

Last month, the company awarded 40 TVET scholarships for training in automotive engineering, plumbing, and other technical skills at Belgut and Konoin Technical Training Institutes, demonstrating its commitment to education at all levels.

As the new undergraduate scholars left the ceremony, many were already envisioning the possibilities ahead. For them, this was not just financial assistance—it was an open door to dreams, careers, and the chance to one day give back to their communities.