Standard Group, KCA join hands to raise funds

KCA University cyclists led by VC Prof Isaiah Wakindiki cycle through Imenti Forest in Meru. [Phares Mutembei, Standard]

The KCA University has partnered with several companies including The Standard Group to raise funds for its bright but needy students during the Easter holiday.

University Vice-Chancellor and Chief Executive Officer, Prof Isaiah Wakindiki, said the idea was to enable students experiencing difficulties in paying their fees to realise their academic goals.

"This Easter is very special for us. We are raising funds for scholarships for all levels of training from undergraduate to PhD degrees," said Prof Wakindiki.

"For this purpose, we call on well-wishers, stakeholders, individuals, and corporates to come together and join the staff, alumni and students to raise funds for scholarships," he added.

The fundraising event included a bicycle race organised by the institution, in which participants cycled nearly 600 kilometres from Nairobi to Meru town.

The event coincided with the International Day of Sport for Development and Peace (IDSDP) which is marked on April 6 every year.

Cyclists were flagged off in Nairobi at around 4am on Good Friday and arrived in Meru just around 4pm on the same day. North Imenti Deputy County Commissioner, Odillia Ndeti, received the cyclists in Meru.

Others who participated in the race include deputy vice-chancellors Prof Joshua Bagaka (Academic and Students Affairs), Prof Damiannah Kieti (Finance Planning and Development), and Prof Vincent Onywera (Research Innovation and Outreach).

KCA University Foundation Executive Director, Roggers Abong'o, and other staff also participated in the charity event. Abong'o said the target was to raise Sh25 million.

Cyclists used the Nanyuki route on their way to Meru, and spent the night in Meru town before embarking on a return journey to Nairobi early Saturday through the Tharaka Nithi route.

The team comprised 11 elite cyclists, three of them female, who traversed several counties to and from Meru where they raised awareness of the plight of needy learners at the university.

Prof Wakindiki said both government-sponsored and privately sponsored students will benefit from the funds.

KCA University partnered with The Standard Group, Cooperative Bank and The Karen Hospital among other corporate institutions.