Tata Chemicals Magadi Company has awarded 18 university students with scholarships amounting to Sh3.5 million.
The scholarships will enable students from the Maasai community in Kajiado to pursue various degrees in arts and sciences at several universities.
The scholarship programme has provided more than 300 students with access to quality education since its inception in 1984.
Company CEO Subodh Srivastav said the beneficiaries are drawn from Magadi ward and larger Kajiado through a competitive and fair selection process that involves both the management and community leaders.
“The positive impact of the company’s work in driving the community development agenda is embedded in the strong ties it has built with the community, and its partnerships with like-minded organisations and government institutions,” Srivastav said.
He said the partnerships have resulted in win-win relationships for the company and the community witnessing continuous improvement in the quality of life.
Srivastav said the company believes in elevating the lives of people in the community, saying education is the single most powerful means to change the lives of the Maa Community.
The bursaries presentation ceremony was graced by the education committee chairman of Tata Chemicals Magadi, Stephen Moiko, who is also an alumni beneficiary of the programme.
Moiko said over 300 students have so far benefited from the programme which the company has spent Sh100 million.
He said the company has committed the resources to support education because they believe in changing the future of the country by transforming young men and women into substantive leaders.
The chairman encouraged the youth to use their time wisely to learn more appropriate skills and prepare for success in life.
Srivastav, who is also the company’s managing director, congratulated the beneficiaries, urging them to take the opportunity to learn and improve the quality of the lives of people in their community.
He encouraged the students to ensure that they build and adhere to strong values for success, including being bold, innovative, and enterprising to elevate the standards of living in the community and country.
The CEO said these reviews are informed by the increase in the number of community students joining universities and the increase in the cost of university education in the country.
