Elgeyo Marakwet’s Pepea Scholars Graduate in Melbourne as County Secures More Scholarships

Elgeyo Marakwet County has marked a significant achievement in its educational development as the inaugural cohort of students under the Pepea Scholarship Program graduated from CIC Higher Education in Melbourne. 

The initiative, conceived and launched by the county government, aims to offer exceptional but economically disadvantaged students opportunities to pursue higher education abroad, facilitating access to global education and expanded career horizons. Governor Wesley Rotich, who attended the graduation ceremony, highlighted the transformative impact of the program, acknowledging the dedication, discipline, and perseverance required by the students to reach this milestone. 

Expressing his sentiments on social media, Governor Rotich emphasized the event’s profound significance for the county and its graduates, who have now established a benchmark for future scholars. In addition to celebrating academic achievements, Governor Rotich capitalized on his visit to Australia to cultivate new partnerships aimed at expanding the reach and impact of the Pepea initiative. Collaborating with four Australian educational institutions, the county has secured additional scholarship opportunities for aspiring students. 

Ironwood Institute has pledged to provide 50% scholarships for 20 students pursuing Agribusiness courses, while Everest Institute has committed to offering 30% scholarships across 100 available slots. Torrens University is set to provide up to 200 scholarship placements with a 50% funding commitment. CIC Higher Education, a key collaborator in the program, has also extended its support by offering 150 additional slots for the upcoming September intake, maintaining a 40% scholarship rate.

Governor Rotich also engaged with members of the Kenyan diaspora, particularly those from Elgeyo Marakwet and the broader Kalenjin community residing in Australian cities. He emphasized the significance of reinforcing diaspora connections to harness global opportunities that can benefit development efforts back home. In other diaspora news, Kenya's role in shaping regional diaspora policies was highlighted as the country hosted a high-level delegation from Uganda. 

Led by Senior Presidential Advisor on Diaspora Affairs Mohammed Bagonza, the Ugandan team visited Nairobi for a two-day benchmarking exercise focused on studying Kenya’s approach to diaspora engagement. Principal Secretary for Diaspora Affairs Roseline Njogu briefed the visiting delegation, elucidating Kenya’s initiatives to support its citizens abroad. 

She highlighted Kenya’s proactive efforts in promoting diaspora welfare through facilitating investment, advancing skill development, and formulating policies that enhance entrepreneurship and economic participation. According to Njogu, Kenya has established itself as a leader in diaspora affairs through strengthened partnerships with Kenyan communities abroad, ensuring their continued engagement and empowerment.

Discussions between Kenyan and Ugandan officials underscored a shared commitment to the East African Diaspora Policy, a framework designed to integrate and mainstream East African citizens living abroad into the region’s development strategies. This policy seeks to maximize diaspora contributions toward economic growth while safeguarding their rights and promoting dialogue.

Ugandan officials commended Kenya’s structured approach to diaspora engagement and expressed interest in adopting similar strategies. Bagonza praised Kenya’s hospitality and openness in sharing insights, noting that his team gained valuable lessons from Kenya’s diaspora support mechanisms. Throughout the visit, Ugandan delegates interacted with officials from various directorates and divisions within Kenya’s diaspora affairs department, exploring practical methods to implement policies that effectively serve their citizens abroad.