Over 800 high school students from Samburu/Chengoni Ward have benefited from bursary allocations worth Ksh. 8,527,800 under the county’s bursary program.
Addressing parents on behalf of Kwale Governor H.E. Fatuma Achani at the Samburu Social Hall, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Roads, Ali Joto, said the bursary program has enabled many students to transition to higher learning institutions who would otherwise have dropped out due to financial constraints.
Joto urged parents and residents to disregard political rhetoric surrounding the previous delay in the bursary disbursement, noting that the setback was caused by a stalemate with the Controller of Budget.
“Our Governor increased the bursary allocation from Ksh. 400 million to Ksh. 500 million because of how crucial the support is to our students. Let us ignore those claiming the bursary is a campaign tool. This program has existed since the first term of devolution, and the delay was due to the stalemate with the Controller of Budget,” said Joto.
A local resident, Patrick Kamanza, called on parents to closely monitor their children’s academic progress to ensure the program achieves its intended impact.
“The Governor has played her role in ensuring the bursary funds are allocated. It is now our responsibility as parents to ensure our children perform well so that the program can truly transform our homes and community,” said Kamanza.
Since its inception in 2013, the Elimu ni Sasa bursary program has supported over 16,000 high school students and more than 12,000 students in universities and vocational training institutions, helping thousands of learners from vulnerable backgrounds access education.
The CECM for Roads was accompanied by Chief Officer for Preventive Health Services, Athman Mwashando and the local administrators.
By Anthony Solly
