William Ruto keeps promise, awards 20,000 scholarships to Arizona State University

President William Ruto awarded Sh100,000 scholarships to over 20,000 people who attended Jamhuri Day celebrations at Nyayo Stadium.

When Principal Secretary of ICT and Digital Economy, John Tanui made the announcement, some people thought it was impossible, but the head of state kept his word and awarded scholarships provided by the Thunderbird School of Global Management at Arizona State University.

The institution offers programs designed to prepare students to navigate the dynamic digital world.

Deputy president Rigathi Gachagua (left) and President William Ruto greet attendees at the post-Jamhuri Day function at State House. Pulse Live Kenya

READ: Ruto awards Bohra community leader highest state award

Speaking during the ceremony, the president instructed people to use a QR code to access the 16-unit course.

“It is now time to keep the promise. There is a QR Code near you. Scan and access the scholarship now.

"A 16-unit course that would have cost you Sh100,000, is now accessible to you for free, courtesy of the Innovation Jamhuri,” said President Ruto

The scholarships are part of a wider effort by Ruto’s government to drive a technology agenda that he says will create one million jobs in the coming years.

President William Ruto inspects the guard of honour during the Jamhuri Day celebrations. Pulse Live Kenya

The scholarship is accessible to anyone, even those who did not attend the celebrations.

The course covers areas such as strategic planning: visioning and goal-setting, organizational readiness for scaling and expansion, financial analysis and management, creating a business culture for growth, and developing staff for business growth.