Taita Taveta county has disbursed Ksh40 million in the second phase of its bursary programme to improve education standards and cushion learners from humble backgrounds.
Speaking during the launch of the programme in Taveta on Tuesday, Governor Andrew Mwadime stated that the programme will benefit over 7,800 learners.
The second phase brings the total bursary allocated by the county to Ksh100 million. The first installment of Ksh60 million was released in April this year targeting 11,000 learners.
Mwadime reiterated his government’s commitment to ensuring all learners access education through bursaries and scholarships to the most deserving cases.
“We pledged to ensure needy learners are empowered to pursue their education without interruptions. This is why we have allocated Ksh100 million for bursaries,” he said.
He stated that the bursary kitty, managed by the Education Fund Board, will benefit learners in secondary schools and vocational training centers.
The County boss disclosed that although the bursary allocation for the current financial year has been exhausted, the county government is planning to double the bursary kitty to Ksh200 million.
While appealing for public support towards the promotion of education goals, the governor noted the need for significant investments in the sector to allow area schools to compete effectively with other regions.
County Assembly Deputy Speaker Anselim Mwadime noted that the area Members of County Assembly (MCAs) are willing to support the promotion of education initiatives to help needy learners access education.
He added that the assembly will continue to play its oversight role to ensure the funds are properly utilized.
Apart from the bursary initiative, the county is also managing a scholarship programme that currently has 400 students in secondary schools.
For learners pursuing higher education, it has set aside a loan fund to support them, managed by the Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
By Michael Oduor
oduormichael2021@gmail.com
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