Machogu presides over award of 1000 KCB scholarships to learners

1000 learners who sat the 2023 Kenya Certificate of Primary Education have received scholarships from the KCB foundation to aid them through their secondary school studies.

Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu presided over the scholarship award program which took place on Wednesday at the KCB Karen Leadership Centre.

Machogu said the scholarships by the commercial bank complement efforts by the government to ensure 100 per cent transition of learners into secondary schools.

"I wish to encourage other partners in the education sector to step forward and avail scholarships to learners. This will help the government attain 100 per cent transition into secondary schools," the CS said.

Machogu said 70 per cent of learners who sat KCPE last year have already reported to school.

He said the Ministry is working to ensure all learners report to school as Form One admission is still ongoing.

"We have enough capacity in all our schools for Form One's to join," he said.

The CS also reiterated that school fees in public schools will remain unchanged.

"Principals are well advised on school fees. So are Directors of Education. School fees will remain unchanged," he said.

Machogu commended KCB for empowering learners through scholarships.

He said education is a great tool for combating poverty.

KCB Group Chief Executive Officer Paul Russo said if the 1000 beneficiaries of the scholarships get to institutions of higher learning the bank will continue supporting them.

"We are more than just a bank. We are enablers of dreams and architects of possibilities," Russo said.

"As we extend this scholarship to you we hope you will also lift someone someday."

Russo urged the learners not to look at school simply as a way of gaining employment.

"School will give you skills and teach you critical thinking. Employment is just one of the avenues of employment," the CEO said.

He noted that up to 4657 learners have benefitted from the scholarships since 2007.

Russo said the bank has invested Sh1.2 billion in the scholarships over the years.

He said 84 per cent of the beneficiaries have transitioned into universities.

KCB has engaged 537 schools countrywide for the scholarships.

"Your scholarship is not just financial support. It is our belief in your capabilities," Russo told the learners.

Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang congratulated the learners for earning the scholarships.

"It is not just about earning the scholarships. It is about sustaining the scholarships so that you get support even in tertiary education," the PS said.

Learners were urged to maintain high discipline in school as bad behaviour could cost them their scholarships.