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Inuka: KPC Foundation Launches a Groundbreaking Chapter in Inclusive Education
Gerald Kombo
April 07, 2025
At the Kenya Institute of Special Education (KISE), the Kenya Pipeline Company (KPC) Foundation launched a bold new chapter in its commitment to education and empowerment for persons with disabilities. The Inuka Scholarship Program, now in its eighth year, was officially unveiled in an expanded form on April 7, 2025, under the theme “Inuka.” The launch event brought together an inspiring cross-section of Kenyan society - from government officials and disability rights advocates to beneficiaries, corporate partners, and artists in a celebration of inclusion, progress, and hope.
This is a story of how a corporate social investment initiative is reshaping futures, fostering resilience, and reaffirming that every child, regardless of ability, deserves the chance to rise.
A Warm Welcome to a Day of Hope
The launch was hosted by Nathaniel Oman, who set the tone early:
We gather here today for a very special occasion an occasion where we are putting a smile on our fellow citizens, people who are in need.
That heartfelt sentiment was echoed by Rachel Gathoni, KPC Foundation Manager and Managing Trustee, who took the audience through the journey of the Inuka Program—from its inception in 2017 supporting high school students, to its bold new expansion into tertiary education and structured mentorship.
This launch marks a journey that began almost eight years agoshe said, emphasizing the Foundation’s wide-reaching social investment in education, health, water and sanitation, environment, and humanitarian aid.
Gathoni also recognized the presence of key dignitaries, including Cabinet Secretary for Education Julius Migos Ogamba, Cabinet Secretary for Energy and Petroleum James Opiyo Wandayi, and Principal Secretary for Petroleum Dr. Mohamed Liban, along with strategic partners like the National Council for Persons with Disabilities (NCPWD) and the Kenya Red Cross.
Inuka: More Than a Scholarship
Joe Sang, Managing Director of KPC and Chairman of the KPC Foundation, delivered an impassioned keynote:
Inuka, a Swahili word for ‘arise,’ is not just another scholarship initiative. It is a pillar of hope, a testament to resilience, and a commitment to breaking barriers.
Since 2017, Inuka has supported 745 students across all 47 counties, investing over KSh 120 million in school fees, uniforms, and essentials. Of last year’s scholars, an impressive 47% qualified for university, with Caroline Wanjugu Mwangi, who scored an A- against all odds, standing out as a beacon of what’s possible.
Joe Sang also announced:
A mentorship program for 370 scholars, running April 8 - 10, aimed at empowering students with life and career skills.
New internship and job opportunities within KPC for program alumni.
Our goal is not just education, but to empower students to become independent and self-reliant members of our society.
Testimonies That Stirred the Soul
Two scholarship recipients, Levy Kabesa and Edna Kathambi, took the stage - and hearts.
Levy Kabesa, a graduate of Thika School for the Blind who scored an A in the 2024 KCSE, shared:
My parents worked hard, but financial constraints were a challenge. The scholarship relieved that burden.
He dreams of becoming a lawyer to defend disadvantaged communities.
Edna Kathambi, a student from Joyland School for the Physically Handicapped in Kisumu, echoed similar sentiments:
If it wasn’t for KPC, I wouldn’t be in school. I want to be an accountant and give back to the community.
Their stories underlined the program’s ethos: Disability is not inability.
A Powerful Panel: Legislation, Gaps, and Solutions
Moderated by Senator Crystal Asige, a visually impaired legislator and disability rights advocate, the plenary session tackled policy gaps, practical realities, and systemic opportunities.
Senator Crystal Asige:
Highlighted her Persons with Disabilities Bill 2023, now awaiting presidential assent.
Discussed her Kenyan Sign Language Bill 2023, passed by the Senate and under National Assembly review.
It will mandate the use of KSL in schools, government offices, and public services.
Advocated for her Learners with Disabilities Bill 2023, which aims to ensure accessible infrastructure and trained educators.
Called for attention to invisible disabilities like epilepsy and mental health:
We must move beyond paper policies to real-world impact.
Eva Njoroge (NCPWD):
Listed NCPWD services: tax exemptions, AGPO access, free assistive devices, therapy, and economic programs.
Called for better registration of PWDs and increased employer compliance with the 5% employment quota.
We’re at 40% at NCPWD, but we need every sector to step up.
Kenneth Munene (Inuka Scholar, JKUAT):
Highlighted infrastructure and attitudinal barriers in tertiary education.
We often have to work twice as hard to get half as far.
Praised JKUAT for appointing a counselor for PWD students, and emphasized mental health support.
Daddy Owen (Musician and Disability Advocate):
Shared stories from his Malaika Disability Foundation, including mentoring DJ Euphonic, a successful PWD DJ.
We don’t need sympathy; we need opportunities.
Emphasized how disability-driven innovation benefits everyone.
Rosemary Odinga:
Reflected on her experience with visual impairment:
I learned to laugh every day to relieve stress.
Urged accessible design in public spaces and staff training.
Highlighted how supporting caregivers and employees’ families is part of true inclusion.
The discussion ended with a united message: laws are only as good as their implementation—and attitudes must evolve alongside policies.
Government and Corporate Leaders Weigh In
Irene Wachira, representing KPC Board Chairperson Faith Bett-Boinett, reinforced KPC’s CSR commitment:
1.5% of profits (~KSh 150M) go to the Foundation annually.
To date, 377 projects have been funded, impacting 56,000 lives at a cost of KSh 780 million.
We invite more partners to scale the Inuka impact.
Dr. Mohamed Liban, PS for Petroleum:
Educated the audience on common visual impairments like cataracts and glaucoma.
Pledged cross-sector collaboration with the Ministry of Education and Health.
Highlighted LPG access and housing allocations for schools and communities with PWDs.
James Opiyo Wandayi, CS for Energy and Petroleum:
Linked access to electricity and assistive tech to educational inclusion.
Energy powers education - lighting classrooms and devices.
Pushed for a shift to youth-led renewable energy careers.
Urged other agencies to emulate KPC’s example.
Julius Migos Ogamba, CS for Education and Chief Guest:
Reflected on enforcement gaps in AGPO and contract accessibility.
Can a disabled person execute a contract without amending the Banking Act?
Called for an audit of school infrastructure for disability access.
Officially launched Inuka, aligning it with SDG 4 and Kenya’s estimated 2.4 million children with disabilities.
Encouraged applications for 305,000 university slots open until April 30, 2025.
A Sweet Start to a New Chapter
The ceremony ended with CS Julius Migos Ogamba cutting a celebratory cake to mark the official launch, followed by group photos. But the real work begins now.
The mentorship program for 370 scholars kicks off immediately, from April 8–10, also hosted at KISE. It will provide students with personal development training, digital skills, career guidance, and peer networking opportunities.
The Inuka Scholarship Program launch is a clarion call. A call to the government, private sector, educational institutions, and every Kenyan to rise to the occasion and embrace inclusive education as a collective responsibility.
From Levy’s dreams of justice, to Edna’s aspirations of financial literacy, to Senator Asige’s legislative legacy, the message was clear: we rise by lifting others.
As Joe Sang aptly put it:
Our scholars may be differently abled, but they are equally gifted. They are the heartbeat of our nation’s future.
Inuka - Arise