Financially needy students at Jomo Kenyatta University of Agriculture and Technology (JKUAT) are set to get some reprieve from a new initiative by Qwetu Hostels, which will provide scholarships to support their education. The scholarships will be formalized through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between Qwetu and JKUAT.

The initiative was announced by Qwetu Hostels CEO, Mr. Edward Kirathe, during a courtesy visit to JKUAT Vice Chancellor, Prof. Victoria Wambui Ngumi on Monday, March 3, 2025.

Mr. Kirathe reaffirmed Qwetu’s commitment to support higher education by easing the financial burden on deserving but needy students and the university as a whole through additional corporate social responsibility.

Prof. Ngumi welcomed the partnership, noting it aligns with the university’s mission to promote academic excellence and inclusivity. She expressed gratitude to Qwetu for their commitment to empower students through financial support.

The Vice Chancellor expressed her gratitude to Qwetu management for hosting students when a bloc housing JKUAT hostels was damaged during a fire incident last year.

Prof. Bernard Ikua, Deputy Vice Chancellor for Administration and Finance, also lauded the initiative, emphasizing its significance in enhancing student welfare. He noted that the partnership with Qwetu Hostels would not only support needy students but also contribute to improving accommodation standards within the university.

The forthcoming MoU is expected to outline the selection criteria and implementation framework for the scholarships award scheme. Qwetu is set to join other hostel services providers in Juja.

Present during the meeting were: Deputy Vice Chancellor, Research, Production and Extension, Prof. Jackson Kwanza, Deputy Vice Chancellor, Academic Affairs, Prof. Robert Kinyua, Qwetu Chief Finance Officer, Peter Njenga and Property Operations Manager, Jackie Rozario.