When Levy Kabesa sat for his Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams in 2018 and scored 353 marks, his future seemed uncertain. Born with congenital vision complications, he had always been determined to succeed. However, an eye injury at the age of nine significantly altered his life’s course.
“I was born with congenital low vision, and after the injury, my sight became blurry and did not improve despite undergoing surgery,” says Kabesa, a native of Nandi County.
After his impressive KCPE performance, he joined Moi Gesusu High School in Kisii County in 2019. Unfortunately, by 2020, his eye condition had deteriorated further, leading him to seek treatment in various hospitals. Despite these challenges, his determination to pursue education remained steadfast.
In 2021, Kabesa enrolled at the Kenya Institute for the Blind, an institution dedicated to improving the education, training, and employment prospects of visually impaired individuals. A year later, he joined Thika Secondary School for the Blind. However, the financial strain of tuition fees loomed over him.
Understanding that education was his key to a brighter future, Kabesa found relief when the Kenya Pipeline Company Foundation, through the Inuka Scholarship Programme, stepped in to cover his school fees.
“Despite the financial difficulties, Kenya Pipeline Company supported me, ensuring that I could complete my education. Their assistance enabled me to achieve an A plain in my KCSE exams,” he shares.
Grateful for the support, Kabesa acknowledges the role of God, his teachers, and the Kenya Pipeline Company in his success.
Allan Kwambai: Rising Above Haemophilia
Allan Kwambai, 20, from Marakwet West, is another beneficiary of the Inuka Scholarship Programme. Living with haemophilia—a genetic disorder that affects blood clotting—posed significant challenges, but it did not deter him from pursuing his dreams.
After scoring 356 marks in KCPE at Kapsowar Primary School, Kwambai joined Chebara Boys’ High School. However, financial constraints threatened his education until he received the Inuka Scholarship in 2021.
“The scholarship from Kenya Pipeline Company eased my family’s financial burden and motivated me to strive for academic excellence,” says Kwambai, who went on to score an impressive A- in KCSE.
Expressing gratitude, he hopes to inspire others facing similar challenges and looks forward to greater achievements with continued support.
Musicha Ronnix: A Vision of Success
Despite being totally blind, 19-year-old Musicha Ronnix never wavered in his pursuit of education. After completing primary school, he joined Kibos School for the Blind in Kisumu County before transferring to Thika High School for the Blind. Financial difficulties, however, threatened to derail his progress.
With support from the Inuka Scholarship Programme, Ronnix was able to complete his secondary education, earning an impressive B+ in KCSE.
“My success is the result of sacrifice, commitment, and discipline. I am honored to be a beneficiary of the KPC Scholarship Programme,” he says. “The unwavering support from KPC has been instrumental in my academic journey.”
Blessings Isabwa: Achieving Her Dream
Despite facing vision impairment, 18-year-old Blessings Isabwa was determined to excel in her studies. After scoring 409 marks at Mukumu Girls’ Primary School in Kakamega County, she secured a spot at Maryhill Girls’ School, her dream institution. However, financial challenges threatened her dream until the Inuka Scholarship came to her aid.
“Though I missed some lessons due to eye check-ups, I managed to graduate with an A and developed a passion for biology and English. I am grateful for the support and aspire to give back by helping others facing similar challenges,” she says.
The Inuka Programme: Empowering Students with Disabilities
Launched in 2017, the Inuka Scholarship Programme provides financial support to underprivileged and physically challenged students pursuing secondary education. Since its inception, 746 students from all 47 counties have benefited.
“We sponsor one boy and one girl from each county annually, admitting 94 students every year since 2016,” states Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC).
Beneficiary selection is conducted in partnership with the National Council for Persons with Disabilities and county officers to ensure that only the most deserving students receive support. The application process is advertised in mainstream media, with interested candidates submitting forms through county NCPWD offices.
In 2023, 90 Inuka scholars sat for KCSE, with 37 attaining C+ and above—a marked improvement from the previous year’s cohort, where 26 students achieved similar grades.
Building on the programme’s success, KPC introduced the Inuka Plus Scholarship Programme in December 2023 to support students with disabilities transitioning to universities and TVET institutions. KPC Managing Director Joe Sang’ revealed that the organization invests up to KSh 41 million annually in these initiatives.
The scholarships cover tuition, meals, accommodation, assistive devices, mentorship, psychosocial support, and leadership training.
“Our goal was to bridge the gap by supporting these students beyond high school,” Sang’ explains.
KPC Foundation Manager Rachael Gathoni highlights the programme’s impact, with 25 students currently enrolled in universities across Kenya. Some have even secured admission into prestigious courses such as medicine and pharmacy.
“Investing in education is one of the most effective ways to eliminate poverty and drive change,” she says, emphasizing that children with disabilities face additional hurdles that quality education can help overcome.
Investing in Education Infrastructure
Beyond scholarships, the KPC Foundation is committed to improving school infrastructure. Many institutions struggle with inadequate facilities, prompting the foundation to invest millions in upgrading learning environments.
In February, KPC commissioned KSh 24 million worth of infrastructural projects in Homa Bay, including:
- Two classrooms at Lambwe Mixed Special Secondary School (KSh 3 million)
- A KSh 5 million dormitory at Siburi Mixed Secondary School
- A KSh 5 million dormitory at St. Joseph Multi-purpose Secondary School
- A modern laboratory and dormitory at Simbi Mixed Secondary School (KSh 8 million)
- An administration block and latrine at Kowuor Primary School (KSh 3 million)
Students at Siburi Mixed Secondary School hailed the dormitory project as transformative, alleviating congestion and allowing more students to board.
Similarly, Lambwe Mixed Special Secondary School Principal Margaret Kwamboka noted that the additional classrooms improved learning conditions, enabling simultaneous lessons rather than shifts.
KPC Managing Director Joe Sang’ reaffirmed the company’s commitment to education.
“It’s not just about the billions we invest in pipelines and tanks; it’s about the simple yet impactful things like classrooms, which create a conducive learning environment,” he said.
Key Milestones
Since its inception, the KPC Foundation has constructed over 142 educational facilities, including classrooms, laboratories, and dormitories across Kenya. More than KSh 200 million has been invested in upgrading learning institutions.
Some of the notable projects include:
- Classrooms at Masangora Girls’ Secondary School (Migori) and Cheptuiyet Girls’ High School (Kericho)
- An administration block at Nachu Primary School (Kiambu)
- Dormitories at Karare Mixed Secondary School (Marsabit) and Kapmaso Secondary School (Kericho)
- A library at Hema Girls’ Secondary School (Kisii)
- A modern lab at Gari Secondary School (Mandera) and Simbi Mixed Secondary School (Homa Bay)
Through its unwavering commitment, the KPC Foundation continues to bridge the education gap, ensuring that students from disadvantaged backgrounds and those with disabilities have equal opportunities to succeed.
