By John Majau
The county government of Meru has issued bursaries worth Sh141, 850, 000 in a concerted effort to enhance education in the region.
Speaking while presiding over the issuance at the County headquarters, Meru Governor Kiraitu Murungi said the County has disbursed bursaries worth Sh423161000 to 141 981students in the last three years.
Mr. Kiraitu implored school authorities in the region not to send away pupils who have not paid school fees.
The governor said school head teachers should be considerate of parents whose livelihoods have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Learners have been home for a long time and we want to retain them in schools. We are in a severe crisis due to Covid-19 but we have been asked to learn to live with it,” said Kiraitu.
He called on the Meru education committee to ensure that only the needy students benefit from the bursaries.
Mr. Kiraitu also asked teachers and various education leaders to follow up and ensure learners getting the bursaries perform well in their studies.
Kiraitu said he would consult Meru Njuri Ncheke to seek a lasting solution against people molesting the schoolchildren.
Meru Deputy Governor Titus Ntuchiu said the County government efforts to support education might be thwarted by delay of the National government to release funds to the counties.
“Teachers should not expect more money this financial year. I am saying this because we have not received funds from the national government since October last year,” Ntuchiu said while issuing bursaries to school heads.
Mr. Ntuchiu however, called on teachers to create mechanisms to ensure learners getting the bursaries perform well.
Meru County Secretary Rufus Miriti termed increased early pregnancy cases as an issue that needs all stakeholders in the education sector.
Miriti accused parents of failing to give proper parental care and guidance to their children.
He said various stakeholders including parents and teachers should focus on reducing the early pregnancy cases.
