Makueni County Governor Mutula Kilonzo Jr has issued scholarship cheques to 100 students joining Form One.
Speaking at Wote Green Park while issuing the cheques, Kilonzo Jr.called on the national government to review the financial aspects of education policies to ensure that education does not become a preserve of the rich.
He said that if accessing education becomes expensive, the less privileged in society will be forced to cut short their education.
The governor said that they received a high number of applications, adding that he is going to partner with development partners to absorb the rest as they plan to increase the number of beneficiaries from next year.
“These scholarships have produced many meaningful people in the society and I’m sure in years to come we will change the county completely through education,” he said.
He noted that the awardees are bright and needy students who scored above 370 marks and urged parents to mentor their children so they take advantage of the golden opportunity.
“I’m also reminding the beneficiaries to always come to the office with their result slip while collecting the next cheque. We must monitor until they complete so no time for jokes. Students bear in mind that many were locked out for you to benefit and you must put in effort,” he said.
County Executive Committee Member for Education, Internship and ICT Elizabeth Muli noted that so far, 687 students have benefited from the scholarship.
A beneficiary, Esther Kyalo from Kiaoni Primary School who scored 392 marks, expressed gratitude to the governor, saying that her dreams are going to be realized as she prepares to join Moi Girls High School.
Esther’s thirst for education, as told by her Headteacher Christopher Kitua, was clear when she came to register for KCPE examinations carrying only two eggs and a chick, a vision which made her to shed tears.
“I paid for her exam registration and told her to return the chick and two eggs home. The girl used to trek for 10 kilometers to and from school. She is a very determined girl and I wish her all the best in future,” he said.
By Lydia Ngoolo
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