By Achola Bulimo Mathews
Vihiga Governor Dr Wilber Ottichilo has awarded scholarships to 100 bright but needy students from the county to enable them continue their education.
Speaking at the county’s headquarters in Mbale while flagging off the Governor’s Scholarship Programme, the governor said the programme had benefitted 450 bright but needy students in the county.
He expressed his government’s commitment to invest more resources in the education sector.
“700 students applied for the scholarships this year but only 100 benefitted,” he said.
The county boss said his administration will boost the scholarship kitty to cater for more needy students.
“In the next financial year, we will allocate more funds to this programme so that more students benefit, “said the Governor.
Vihiga county Chief Officer for Education Pamela Mahila said the applicants were thoroughly vetted and the most deserving selected.
“The process of vetting and awarding the scholarship was done above board. We ensured deserving cases were selected into the programme,” she said.
Ian Lusiji, one of the beneficiaries, couldn’t hide his joy at being selected into the programme.
Lusiji, a former pupil at Mago Primary, scored 408 marks and has been selected to join Maseno National School in Kisumu County.
“I lost my father in 2017 and the future seemed dark. I thank the Governor for coming up with this great initiative to help children like us who would have otherwise not proceeded with our education to achieve our future dreams,” Lusiji explained.
Yvonne Butiko, another beneficiary, also expressed her gratitude to the governor for coming up with the programme.
Butiko, who joins St. Cecilia Nangina Girls High School , promised to work hard and become a lawyer in order to help the vulnerable in the society.
