Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani has officially launched the distribution of bursary cheques worth Ksh 400 million under the Elimu ni Sasa programme at Ukunda Showground in Ukunda Ward, Msambweni Sub-county.
The bursary programme targets 17,790 students in secondary schools and universities, particularly those from disadvantaged families, drawn from all the 20 wards across Kwale County.
Speaking during the launch, Governor Achani said the initiative aims to ensure that children in the county do not miss out on education due to a lack of school fees.
She noted that education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming communities and uplifting families from poverty.
“We are committed to ensuring that every child in Kwale has an opportunity to learn, pursue their dreams and build a better future regardless of their background,” Achani said.
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The governor also thanked William Ruto for issuing a directive allowing county governments to continue supporting students through bursary programmes.
According to Achani, the decision has enabled counties to strengthen education support systems and cushion vulnerable learners.
She further revealed that since the establishment of the Elimu ni Sasa programme in 2013, thousands of students have benefited from the county government’s education support initiative.
Achani said the programme has so far supported more than 16,000 secondary school students and over 6,000 university students, helping many young people pursue their academic dreams despite financial challenges.
“No learner should stay at home simply because their parents cannot afford school fees,” she said.
The governor added that the county government will continue strengthening the programme to reach more needy students, while also encouraging parents and guardians to work closely with local leaders to ensure the funds benefit the intended beneficiaries.
Kwale County increased its education allocation from KSh 400 million to KSh 500 million to cater for the rising number of students seeking financial support.
Bongwe Gombato MCA Tumaini Mwachaunga assured residents of continued collaboration between the county government and the Kwale County Assembly to ensure the bursary programme achieves its objective of supporting learners from vulnerable households.
Mwachaunga said leaders in the county remain committed to ensuring transparency and fairness in the allocation of bursary funds so that deserving students are not left behind.
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He noted that investing in education is a long-term strategy that will empower the county’s youth and contribute to sustainable development.
Parents who attended the event also welcomed the bursary programme, saying it has eased the financial burden many families face when paying school fees.
Anna Njeri from Ukunda Ward and Nickolas Mbaru from Bongwe Gombato Ward said the bursaries will help many parents keep their children in school without interruptions.
They noted that in many cases, students are often sent home due to fee arrears, disrupting their studies and affecting their academic performance.
“With this support, many children will now stay in school and focus on their studies without the fear of being sent home for fees,” said Njeri.
The residents urged the county government to continue expanding the programme so that more students from disadvantaged families can access education.
By Shaban Omar
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