Private varsity develops scholarship programme for needy students

By Luke Anami

University education is increasingly becoming more expensive as demand for it increases.

Hence, many Kenyans who want to pursue higher learning are left in the dark because they cannot afford it.

But a private university has established an innovative programme to give poor Kenyans a chance to pursue higher education.

The Catholic University of East Africa programme targets students from underprivileged background who are academically fit but lack financial resources.

"Catholic University is not a profit making institution," Prof John Maviiri, the Vice Chancellor says.

"A scholarship programme funded by the surplus from fees has been developed to cater for needy students."

The don says when the university’s financial year comes to an end, a committee composed of departmental heads meet to discuss future projects and fees payment by needy students.

"About Sh10 million is set aside to cater for scholarships," he says.

The amount ranges from Sh10 million to Sh12 million depending on the number of students admitted each year. Students who are in their second year are encouraged to apply for the funds.

"Before a student can qualify for the scholarship, a committee assesses whether they are academically promising, disadvantaged by poverty and can serve the community," the don explains.

The highest amount paid by the university is Sh40,000 a year.

It caters for tuition among other activities.

Other scholarships the university runs include the Cardinal Otunga Memorial scholarship which is a local initiative in memory of the the late cardinal.