The County Government of Trans Nzoia, in partnership with Shining Hope for Communities (SHOFCO), has launched a scholarship programme to support 320 needy learners joining secondary and junior secondary schools.
County Executive Committee (CEC) Member for Education and Vocational Training, Janerose Nasimiyu Mutama, said 285 students have already been identified for full sponsorship under the initiative.
Speaking during the award ceremony, Mutama described the programme as a crucial relief for vulnerable families struggling to meet school fees.
“This programme gives children from disadvantaged backgrounds the opportunity to pursue education without the burden of fees,” she said.
The initiative also targets 65 teenage mothers, who Mutama said will benefit from education that restores dignity and empowers them to shape their futures.
“Education gives identity, confidence, and purpose. It will uplift and empower these young mothers,” she added.
Mutama encouraged the learners to stay focused, sharing her personal experience growing up as the firstborn in a family of nine, in a household with limited resources.
“My academic journey was challenging, but education opened doors that nothing else could,” she said, stressing that education is key to breaking generational barriers.
ALSO READ:
She further urged parents, guardians, schools, and community groups to collaborate in mentorship and value-building, especially as teenage pregnancy continues to rise in the county.
“Teenage pregnancy is not just a health issue. It robs young people of potential, interrupts education, and steals dreams,” she warned.
Mutama also reaffirmed the county’s commitment to supporting learners through bursaries, modernising vocational centres, and implementing Recognition of Prior Learning (RPL) programmes to acknowledge skills gained informally.
SHOFCO Trans Nzoia Scholarship Coordinator John Wanyama said the organisation works at the grassroots level to expand access to essential services, leadership development, and education opportunities.
“Since the launch of this programme in 2024, more than 3,700 learners have benefited. Next year, we aim to reach over 4,500 students,” he said.
Wanyama confirmed that 286 learners in Trans Nzoia have already been identified for the next phase of support, with recruitment still ongoing.
In addition, CEC Mutama donated sanitary pads and diapers to the beneficiaries, reinforcing the county’s focus on holistic support for vulnerable learners.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
