Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has called upon leaders to stop misleading and politicising the “Elimu Ni Sasa” bursary programme.
Speaking at a prize giving ceremony at Matuga Girls recently, Achani firmly told off allegations from a section of leaders in the county who claimed that the bursary programme is meant to benefit a few students.
Achani denied all the allegations adding that the programme is designed to benefit everyone regardless of their political affiliations.
The leaders in the area had also accused the governor of favouritism and fuelling concerns that the programme is being manipulated for political gain.
She however, said that the programmes’ primary goal is to support students from needy families to access equal educational opportunities.
“Let’s not politicize the programme; no child has ever been denied a bursary simply because their parents didn’t vote for me,” she said.
Achani sharply criticized her detractors, urging them to focus on development issues and stop spreading propaganda about the bursary.
The governor assured the public that her administration is committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in the distribution of bursaries.
She also called on the community to report any cases of misuse or unfair practices related to the programme.
Achani advised parents to visit the ward administrators’ offices across the county to obtain accurate information about the bursary programme and avoid being misled.
The governor said she hopes to foster a more equitable environment where every deserving student can benefit from the support intended to help them succeed academically.
Achani noted that for the last Financial Year 2023/2024 government gave out Ksh190 M bursaries for schools within and outside Kwale.
At the same time, Kwale Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo highlighted that over the past decade, the bursary program has had a significant positive impact on the area.
He noted that the initiative has contributed to improved academic performance by enabling students to stay in school and focus on their studies.
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Kombo assured that the government will continue to support needy students to further enhance educational outcomes in the region.
“The county bursary fund was increased from Sh400 million to Sh500 million in the 2023/2024 financial year to accommodate more beneficiaries, and we will continue to enhance it,” he said.
Matuga Girls Chief Principal Caroline Zawadi on her part expressed her gratitude to the county government for its support through the bursary programme.
She said the support has been crucial in maintaining a stable learning environment and fostering academic excellence among the students.
She called on both the community and stakeholders to continue supporting such initiatives, as they play a vital role in shaping the future of the students and the overall development of the region.
By Our Correspondent
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Governor Fatuma Achani shares a light moment with a student during a prize giving ceremony at Matuga Girls High School in Kwale County on Friday, August 2, 2024.
