Beatrice Oriwo: A Testament to the Power of Education
Anyone seeking an inspiring story of resilience and achievement will find it in Beatrice Oriwo from Kisumu County. Beatrice, an alumnus of the KenGen Education Scholarships program, stands as a testament to the transformative power of education. Coming from humble beginnings, she has risen above her circumstances through sheer determination and the support of KenGen’s scholarship initiative.
Beatrice’s journey began from a modest home , where she was the first-born daughter among nine siblings. Despite financial challenges, she excelled at St Francis Rang’ala Girls Secondary School, where she graduated in 2013 as the top student with an impressive A Plain. Her academic success earned her a full university scholarship from KenGen, allowing her to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Electrical & Electronics Engineering at Kenyatta University, from which she graduated with Second Class honors.
Currently, Beatrice serves as a Graduate Electrical Engineer intern at KenGen PLC’s Ngong Power Station, within the Operations department. Her role involves the operation and maintenance of 30 wind turbines, providing technical and engineering support to the wind farm, and participating in major component failure investigations.
The impact of KenGen’s support on Beatrice’s life is profound. In an interview with Ernest Nyamasyo, Communication Officer of KenGen Foundation, she briefly shared her story:
“Beatrice, can you tell us about the moment you found out you had received the scholarship?” Ernest asked.
Beatrice smiled, her eyes reflecting the memory of that life-changing moment. “It was overwhelming. My dream of joining Kenyatta University seemed unattainable due to financial constraints. The scholarship was a beacon of hope, transforming my life.”
Ernest nodded. “Your role at KenGen is quite technical. Can you highlight some of your major accomplishments so far?”
“I’ve successfully implemented the 5S Kaizen Methodology in our operations, identified continuous improvement areas within the wind farm, and upgraded existing electrical systems. Additionally, I’ve developed strategies to mitigate risks associated with our electrical projects,” Beatrice explained.
Currently,Beatrice is working on a project purposed to minimize energy consumed by auxiliaries in wind turbines by analyzing existing electrical systems,identifying opportunities for upgrades and proposing innovative solutions.
KenGen’s commitment to education and community support is at the core of its Corporate Social Investments. The KenGen Foundation focuses on two key pillars: provision of quality education and environmental conservation.
Since 2005, over 1,500 students have benefited from the KenGen Education Scholarships, which offer learning opportunities to bright but needy secondary and university students from communities near the company’s power stations.
The core objective of the KenGen Scholarship Programme is to enable beneficiaries like Beatrice to realize their dreams through holistic education, ultimately helping them become exemplary citizens and major contributors to the country’s social and economic goals. The program not only covers tuition but also offers stipends for university students, ensuring a stress-free academic journey.
The Foundation also organizes an Annual Mentorship program, a three-day event where scholarship beneficiaries receive academic counseling and career guidance through practical and motivational exercises. This initiative fosters peer relationships, networking, and the exchange of ideas, further empowering students to succeed.
Beatrice’s gratitude is evident in her heartfelt thank you note to KenGen: “KenGen has always been in my heart for the support you provided. My dream of joining Kenyatta University would not have been fulfilled without you. I am forever grateful for the stress-free life I led while pursuing my degree.”
KenGen Foundation’s dedication to sustainable development aligns with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education) and SDG 13 (Climate Action). Through initiatives like reforestation projects, education scholarships, and community-based conservation programs, the Foundation mitigates the impact of climate change and empowers communities to preserve their environment while creating a pool of next generation leaders equipped to drive sustainable development.
Beatrice Oriwo’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative impact of education and the importance of corporate social responsibility. KenGen’s ongoing commitment to supporting bright but needy students continues to inspire and empower future generations, driving Kenya towards a sustainable and prosperous future.
