By Michael Oduor
CECM, Dephence Manga right and Pauline Atieno Programmes coordinator action Aid Left
Taita Taveta County has increased bursary, education loan and scholarship allocation to Sh 170 million in 2021 up from Sh150 million in the previous year.
Speaking while commissioning the induction meeting for the ward bursary committees, County Executive Committee Member (CECM) incharge of Education, Libraries and Vocational Training Centres Dephence Manga said the scholarships were aimed at ensuring there is a 100 percent transition to secondary school in the region.
“My department is committed to ensure our youths are well educated and fit for future job market demands. This can be achieved through supporting them either by scholarships, education loans or bursaries,” stated CECM Manga.
Students who scored 300 marks and above in KCPE will have a chance to receive a four-year scholarship for their secondary education. This is a move by H.E Governor, Granton Samboja, as a way to counter school dropout rates.
The Chief Executive Officer in charge of Education Fund Board, Mr Philip Mwangwale said that the induction meeting aims to train the committees on the accountability criteria to ensure transparency and non-discrimination in the process of awarding scholarships.
“We expect better results without favouring anyone,” said CEO Mwangwale.
Meanwhile, Pauline Atieno, Programmes Co-ordinator from Action Aid, acknowledged the affable relationship with the County government especially on matters of development including education and urged all eligible candidates to grab the opportunity and apply.
“I urge all eligible candidates to take advantage and apply for the bursaries and education loans available,” she said.
According to Mr. David Mombo, Chairman Taita-Taveta Education Fund Board, all students irrespective of their background are eligible to apply. However, he stated that the candidates who come from poor backgrounds should be prioritized.
“As you conduct the exercise to identify students for scholarships, you should consider candidates who come from poor families and did well in exams,” said Mombo.
However, Manga said that those who scored below 300 marks would still be entitled to bursaries and encouraged parents to take advantage of increased bursary allocation to ensure that all their children attend school.
