Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani has officially announced the launch of the issuance of bursary cheques to students across Kwale County, marking the resumption of a crucial education support program that had been suspended for sometime.
The Governor confirmed that the distribution exercise will begin this week following clearance from the Office of the Controller of Budget, led by Margaret Nyakang’o, which had earlier halted bursary disbursements to counties.
The suspension had directed county governments to stop issuing bursaries to primary, secondary, and tertiary students a move that left many learners struggling to remain in school due to lack of fees.
Speaking at the Kwale County Headquarters on Monday, Governor Achani described the resumption of the bursary program as a major relief for families and students across the county.
“Education remains the most powerful equalizer in our society. Today, we are proud to announce the resumption of the issuance of bursary cheques to ensure that no child from Kwale misses school because of financial hardship,” she added.
Before the suspension, the county’s flagship Elimu Ni Sasa initiative, which has been running for over a decade, had supported more than 16,000 secondary school students and over 6,000 students in colleges and universities. The total allocation for the scheme stood at KSh 500 million across the county.
Governor Achani dismissed claims from sections of the opposition alleging that the bursary program has not made a meaningful impact on students in Kwale.
“It is unfortunate that some leaders are politicizing an initiative that has transformed thousands of lives. The numbers speak for themselves. Thousands of students have completed secondary school and higher education because of this program,” she stated.
She further emphasized that the county government has put in place transparent mechanisms to ensure that the bursaries reach deserving and needy students.
“This program is not about politics. It is about the future of our children. We have strengthened our vetting and verification processes to guarantee fairness and accountability in the distribution of funds,” the Governor noted.
Present were:County Attorney Salim Gombeni, County Secretary Sylvia Chidogo, Political Advisor Mshenga Ruga, Economic Advisor Anthony Yama CECs, Chief Officers among other county officials.
By Anthony Solly
