Sanlam Kenya announced a full university scholarship for Nathan Kipng’eno, a bright and deserving student from Sogoo village on the outskirts of Narok. Nathan, a 17-year-old former student of Cheborge High School, had recently made headlines after scoring an impressive A- in the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) exams.
Nathan’s inspiring story first captured public attention early last month when a video of his father energetically dancing and jumping in celebration of his son’s academic achievement went viral on social media. The heartfelt video, which showcased the raw emotions of a proud parent, was shared widely under Sanlam Group’s Pan-African #PROUDMoments social media
The #PROUDMoments campaign aims to celebrate everyday triumphs, regardless of their scale. Whether it’s an academic milestone, a personal achievement, or overcoming life’s challenges, the campaign is a testament to the belief that every win deserves recognition.
Nathan’s story, marked by resilience, hard work, and unwavering parental support, deeply resonated with Sanlam. Moved by the sacrifices made by his father and Nathan’s determination to succeed against the odds, Sanlam decided to award him a full scholarship to cover his tuition and other educational expenses at the university where he will be placed by the Kenya Universities and Colleges Central Placement Service (KUCCPS).
Nathan, who aspires to study Medicine, expressed profound gratitude for the life-changing scholarship.
“I am truly humbled and grateful to Sanlam for this opportunity. Becoming a doctor has always been my dream, and this scholarship brings me closer to that goal. I hope to use my education to improve my life, give back to my community, and support my family,” said an emotional Nathan Kipng’eno during the award ceremony.
The scholarship not only alleviates the financial burden on his family but also allows Nathan to focus entirely on his studies and future aspirations. His dream of becoming a doctor is fueled by a desire to make a meaningful impact in his community, where access to quality healthcare remains a challenge.
Speaking at the scholarship award ceremony, Sanlam Kenya’s Group Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Nyamemba Patrick Tumbo, praised Nathan’s resilience and dedication, highlighting the transformative power of education.
“Nathan’s journey is truly inspiring. He embodies the spirit of hard work, proving that circumstances do not define one’s destiny. No matter where you come from or the challenges you face, success is always within reach with determination and unwavering commitment,” said Dr. Tumbo.
“At Sanlam, we believe in the power of education to transform lives. By offering this scholarship to students like Nathan, we are investing in the future of one of Kenya’s brightest young minds.”
Sanlam’s support for Nathan aligns with its broader mission to foster academic excellence, promote financial literacy, and empower future generations of leaders. Through initiatives like these, Sanlam seeks to create opportunities for talented individuals from underprivileged backgrounds, ensuring that no dream is left unrealized due to financial constraints
Sanlam remains committed to making a meaningful impact through various educational and social initiatives aimed at creating an inclusive society where every individual can thrive. By providing access to education, the company helps lay the foundation for a brighter future, not just for individuals like Nathan, but for communities across Kenya.
Nathan’s story serves as a beacon of hope for many young people facing similar challenges. It is a powerful reminder that with determination, hard work, and the support of a caring community, dreams can indeed become a reality.
As Nathan embarks on his academic journey to become a doctor, his story will continue to inspire countless others to believe in themselves, pursue their goals, and celebrate every proud moment along the way.