Prominent cardiologist Dr. Betty Gikonyo has challenged businesses and university alumni associations to support financially disadvantaged students in a range of academic fields to fulfill their aspirations.
According to Dr. Gikonyo, Chairperson of The Karen Hospital, many talented students cannot develop their potential because they cannot afford the high tuition and other fees that universities charge.
Corporates and well-organized university alumni, according to Dr. Gikonyo, should prioritize sponsoring gifted students rather than waiting for foreign philanthropists to step in and help.
Speaking at The Karen Hospital, she was accompanied by a group of medical students sponsored by her classmate, the University of Nairobi Class of 1970.
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The Class of 1970 decideddecided to establish a scholarship fund to return the favor to the community that provided us with free education during our time. She said that we want to help many students who can't afford tuition by reaching out to other influential alumni and corporates.
Prominent psychiatrist Dr. Frank Njenga, a fellow 1970 classmate, had previously spoken to the students at the Chiromo Campus.
Dr. Gikonyo stated that beneficiaries would experience a broad impact if more scholarships of this kind were established in Kenya, realizing their dreams despite their extremely low financial standing.
"As some of us have come to realize, education is a game-changer," Dr. Gikonyo stated. But unlike when we attended college for free and received a stipend for living expenses, many students today lose out on opportunities due to inability to pay for tuition.
She noted that medical courses are among the most expensive ones offered in universities. She urged the private sector, particularly the medical community, to help the young scholars fulfill their dreams.
