Companies Honour Top Students in National Exams

Equity Bank has launched this year's pre-university programme that seeks to nurture top high school graduates for two years before they join universities.

The bank will spend Sh114 million in the partnership with Kenyatta University that involves the students being employed by the bank so as to gain work experience. A total of 186 students will benefit from the scheme.

"The students will interact with business people since they will be employed by the bank," said Equity CEO James Mwangi.

The programme, which started in 2001, benefits two students from each district.

Besides the experience, the internship helps the students earn money for paying their university fees.

Education Minister Sam Ongeri, said education should be seen as a path towards self-employment and this initiative was part of that effort, with national education standards being raised in partnerships between the public and private sector.

Elsewhere, Prof Ongeri repeated the call while speaking at the Shell Education Excellence Awards.

Kenya Shell was rewarding top students and schools in last year's national exams.

The awards are aimed at promoting excellence in education by encouraging competition among students and schools.

"We envisage the development of high calibre students who will in future form the productive backbone of our economy," said Mr George Brunton, Kenya Shell vice president for sales and operations in North and East Africa.

Kenya Shell has spent over Sh15.3 million on the scheme that has benefitted 132 students and 119 schools.