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Some 100 bright students from needy backgrounds will benefit from the NCBA bank education scholarship worth Sh11.1 million.

NCBA, through its citizenship education sponsorship programme, provides continuous education to underprivileged but bright students from across the country.

During the NCBA scholarship beneficiaries’ cheque hand over ceremony in Nairobi, Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu said accessing quality education is critical as part of changing lives of the population.

He said the government will continue to collaborate with the private sector to invest in education to ensure all children have access to quality education and an opportunity to realise their full potential.

“The programme is a demonstration of the important role the private sector plays to ensure that we have quality education for all Kenyans, regardless of their economic background. I commend NCBA for this noble initiative, which continues to enable many needy children to access education,” the CS said in a statement  read on his behalf by the Ministry’s Director of Secondary Education Paul Kibet.

NCBA Group Managing Director John Gachora said the bank had partnered with six foundations to provide education and mentorship opportunities to needy students in the four-year programme.

Future generations

The foundations are Edumed Trust, Daraja Kenya Initiative, Dr Choksey Albinism Foundation, SOS Kenya, M-Pesa Foundation Academy and Palmhouse Foundation

“We strongly believe in the future of our children and it is a duty to invest in that vision. To realise the full potential of Kenya’s future generations, it is essential to guarantee that all children have access to quality education. At NCBA, we are determined to inspire greatness as we play our part in providing a solution to achieve sustained community transformation through education,” said Gachora.

Over 300 students in primary, secondary, and tertiary institutions have so far been enrolled in this programme.

The scholarship covers tuition fees, textbooks, uniforms and dormitory supplies. In addition, the programme provides mentorship and coaching to students with the goal of equipping them with the necessary tools to become transformational leaders in society.