President Kenyatta gives Sh10m for scholarship to Loreto school in Kilifi

President Uhuru Kenyatta has approved the construction of a new Loreto School in Kilifi to accommodate 500 girls.

The Head of State spoke on Saturday at the Loreto Mary Ward Centre in Karen, Nairobi County when he joined Catholic Church faithful during a special mass held to commemorate 100 years of Loreto Eastern Africa Province.

Uhuru, an alumnus of Loreto Convent, Valley Road recalled his two years as a pupil of the then mixed primary school, saying the institution shaped him to be a person who values hard work and respect for others.

President Uhuru Kenyatta joins Catholic Church faithful at the Loreto Mary Ward Center in Karen, Nairobi County for a celebratory mass to mark 100 years of the Loreto Eastern Africa Province.

“As a child, having spent two years in Loreto, I was eager to learn. My childhood foundation gave me the spirit of hard work, honesty, duty to my country, respect for others and, most of all, the fear of God,” he said.

Uhuru rallied the alumnus of Loreto schools to establish an endowment fund and scholarship programme.

He offered his personal donation of Sh 10 million for the initiative. He said the endowment fund will assist less privileged children to access education at Loreto institutions.

The president  commended the Loreto Sisters for a century of selfless service to humanity and outstanding contribution to Kenya's growth.

The President noted that through its Christian ministry and investments in education, social ministry and other acts of mercy, Loreto Sisters have transformed the lives of many people and made Kenya a better country.

“The contribution of Loreto Sisters in our nation is inked in their alumni, which include a President, bishops, scientists, leaders in government, academia, legal minds, captains of industry, entrepreneurs, sportsmen and women,”he said.

“Loreto’s training has contributed immeasurably to the creative and performance arts, to politics, governance, religion and theology, environmental protection, community service, among many fields."

Uhuru mentioned the late Nobel Laureate and environmentalist Professor Wangari Maathai, educationist Eddah Gachukia, Lady Justice Joyce Oluoch, Lady Justice Njoki Ndung’u, journalist Julie Gichuru and consultant Tina Njonjo as some of the prominent alumni of Loreto schools.

Further, the Head of State challenged fellow alumnus to partner with Loreto Sisters in preserving the century old history of the institution and directed the Ministry of Lands to grant a title deed to Loreto Msongari.

“My humble request to the Loreto Sisters is to preserve the history, icons, and artefacts of Loreto at Loreto Msongari. This way we will afford to give future generations the full breadth and perspective of the great story that is Loreto," he said.

Archbishop Philip Anyolo who conducted the homily called on Kenyans to emulate Loreto Sisters by giving genuine and good service to others so as to improve the society.

Loreto Eastern Africa Province Leader Sister Lucy Nderi also spoke at the special mass attended by Education CS Prof George Magoha, Comptroller of State House Kinuthia Mbugua and others.