President William Ruto on Saturday, December 9, unveiled Kenyan graduates who attended the controversial Arizona University scholarship program.
This follows President Ruto’s announcing the scholarship opportunities during the 2022 Jamhuri Day celebrations.
Speaking during the Youth Connekt Africa Summit 2023 at KICC, President Ruto stated that many Kenyans did not believe that the scholarship program was real.
According to the Head of State, graduation of the scholarship beneficiaries was evidence that the initiative he launched on December 12, 2022 was crucial to the career development of Kenyan youth.
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At the same time, the president encouraged more Kenyans to apply for the same education scholarship program, adding that there are a few slots remaining.
The president’s remarks emerged at a time when Kenyans were criticizing the scholarship, terming it as fake and not practical.
Additionally, some Kenyans had questioned the credibility of the scholarship, raising concerns on whether it was absolutely free as it was claimed by the president.
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“I remember making the announcement in Jamhuri last year. It did not look real then. But today, we have evidence that it is a reality as we have graduates here today.
“Congratulations. Life is a journey of learning. The chance is still open. The address is still the same,” stated President Ruto.
According to Digital Strategist Dennis Itumbi, who presented the scholarship beneficiaries at the KICC, Kenya was offered to take part in the initiative that was targeting 1 million people.
In an attempt to prove that the scholarship was real, one of the graduates was asked to share their experience.
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“I heard about the program at Kasarani when it was announced. My sister recommended it to me. I went online and joined and it has been extremely helpful,” said Nina Mathiu, a beneficiary of the Arizona University scholarship program.
