Brookside Dairy are the new proud sponsors of the Strathmore Basketball and Hockey teams, where Kshs. 35 Million has been contributed. Aside from sponsoring the teams, the partnership also involves giving scholarships to up to six students per year for the next five years. The scholarship students will include two boys and two girls from the basketball teams and two students from the hockey teams.

 

Potential scholarship beneficiaries are expected to; be active in the sport games, participate in the Brookside tournaments – where Strathmore’s coaches will vet them, as well as perform excellently in their highschool national examinations. Kenyan students need to attain a grade A- and above, while international students are required to get the equivalent grade according to their systems.

 

Thanking the sponsors for this grand gesture, Dean of Students Mr. Paul Ochieng stated his delight in the new partnership during his welcoming remarks. “We have been in discussions with Brookside for many years and are glad that they have come on board. We identify with some of the ethos that Brookside have which makes this partnership a success.”

 

Scholarship students will receive up to 80% funding on their tuition fee.  “Brookside Dairy will sponsor 40%, Strathmore University will sponsor another 40% and the students will cater for the remaining 20%. This is an arrangement made by the university,” said Mr. Peter Wesonga – Marketing Manager Brookside Dairy. Scholarship beneficiaries will be expected to cater for their 20% in a bid to encourage parents’ participation in their children studies. This system is adopted in most of the scholarship packages offered to students at the university.  

 

Representing the Ministry of Education, Co-Curricular Coordinator Mr. Johnson Ikiugu spoke of the great privilege Strathmore offers to all sorts of students. Speaking on the fact that sports is rapidly growing in the country, producing well rounded students and players is an added advantage to the society. “The benchmark grade is great because students are encouraged to work hard, it may not be easy, but it is rewarding. We will support you as much as you need as too,” he said.

 

30 students are set to benefit from this five year plan. The KSSSA (Kenya Secondary School Sports Association) games set to begin tomorrow (Wednesday 14) will be the starting point of the vetting process for the pioneer beneficiaries of the scholarships.