More than 500 well-wishers on Friday participated in a 20km walk around Gichugu to raise fee for needy students at Kirinyaga University.
The annual programme ‘Somesha Comrade’, which was initiated by the students three years ago, brings together students, corporates, political class, alumni and other agencies.
This year, the initiative intends to attract more than Sh2 million in donations.
The programme has been able to sustain more than 125 students whose fee is being paid under the kitty.
University students president Julius Karanja told the Star they hope to absorb more needy students in the programme, even as they aspire to expand the initiative.
“Last year, we collected a total of Sh1.2 million, which has helped us sustain 125 students in schools," he said.
"If about 10,000 plus students and other stakeholders donate in this year’s chapter, we will hopefully cater to more 250 needy students.”
Karanja said the initiative was informed by the large number of students who were dropping out for lack of school fee.
His fellow students who spoke to the Star also described the programme as a game changer in the academic lives of many their classmates and college mates.
Stephen Odhiambo said he is delighted to see some of his classmates receive assistance under the programme.
“This is one of the key initiatives organised by the students and which has continually united us all. Our goal is to ensure that we all win in what brought us here which is academics,” he said.
Hi sentiments were echoed by another student, Fadhai Caroli, who heaped praise on the initiative, saying would continue being an active participant in the programme.
She further challenged her fellow students to join hands in the initiative in bid to help their fellow students who are in dire need of financial assistance.
Deputy vice chancellor Charles Omwandho said the institution will continue supporting the initiative.
He said the administration helps in the identification of the most deserving cases by doing a thorough background check before disbursing money, and that depends on the capacity of the kitty.
Omwandho, who is in charge of students affairs, called on more well-wishers to join in so as to help keep as many students as possible in school.
(edited by Amol Awuor)
