The University of Embu is targeting KSh10 billion in the endowment fund inorder to reach more needy students who school at the institution. While speaking during a half marathon that had been organised in the university to mobilize money for the fund Deputy Vice Chancellor Prof Kiplagat Kotut observed that the endowment fund has helped 600 needy students at the University who could have dropped out due to lack of fees.
Prof Kotut said the vision of the University is to raise KSh10 billion for investment where proceeds will assist more students from poor backgrounds to get education without hitches. ''The aim of this fund is supporting needy students in our institution and other projects and we want to make the fund grow where we can invest in various projects then the proceeds are used to increase the number of students who benefit from the fund from poor backgrounds,'' he said.
In the marathon Harbin Marathon (in China) Gold medalist Michael Kamau is the winner of the Inaugural University of Embu Endowment Half Marathon.
The 30-year-old who trains in Nyahururu finished in a time of 1:03:58, followed by Kennedy Muhia in 1:04:40 while Derrik Chege finished third in 1:04:50.
Kamau said he used the University of Embu Endowment Fund Marathon in preparation for the cross country trials.
In the Women's Category, Joyce Wanjugu who also trains in Nyahururu finished first in a time of 1:17:41
followed by Flomena Chepchirchir who clocked 1:26:55 while Nancy Githaiga came third clocking 1:28:57.
In the 10km Men Category, Nicholas Kiplimo won in 32:16 followed by John Muinde in 33:54 while Levis Kuria finished in third place 34:02.
In the 10km Women Category, Mary Ndungu won in 40:33 followed by Lydia Naliaka in 42.36 and Sheila Chepkoech finished 43:16
Chairman Athletics Kenya Embu Branch Stephen Njeru noted that many athletes and upcoming talents from Embu County have not done well due to lack of funds while encouraging corporates to chip in sponsoring sports activities.
Manyatta MP Gitonga Mukunji appealed to the Ministry of Sports to commit more funds in supporting upcoming talents in sports.
The Endowment Fund that was established in 2018 aims at giving bright and needy students a chance to pursue higher education and to fund the development of the institution’s infrastructure. The university needs an investment in infrastructure renewal and update in the near to medium term to deliver a safe, practical and comfortable environment for its students and staff.
Many of the students at the University hail from needy backgrounds and thus face the challenge of raising fees for their studies.Already, the University of Embu has put in place policies and guidelines to protect and grow the fund through a clear governance structure.
STORY By MWINGI TIMES CORRESPONDENT
MWINGI TIMES for timely and authoritative news.
No comments
Post a Comment