Thousands of learners from disadvantaged families in Elgeyo Marakwet County have received renewed hope in their academic journey after the county government released Sh73 million in bursaries to support their education.
The funds will benefit 7,284 students pursuing studies in secondary schools, vocational training institutions, colleges, and universities, helping many remain in school despite financial challenges.
Governor Wisley Rotich said the bursary programme is part of the county’s broader commitment to ensuring that no learner is denied education because of poverty.
“Today, we officially handed over cheques to schools, colleges and universities whose students benefited from our bursary allocation. Despite a delay in disbursement following prolonged consultations with the Controller of Budget, a total of Sh73 million has been released to schools, benefiting 7,284 students,” said Rotich.
Education remains a priority
He noted that education remains one of the most effective tools for transforming lives and creating opportunities for young people.
“The bursary funds will ensure that students, regardless of their background, access equal education opportunities and that completion rates increase,” he said.
The governor disclosed that the latest allocation has pushed the county’s cumulative bursary expenditure over the last four years to more than Sh320 million.
“From 2023 to date, we have disbursed Sh320,967,898 to 28,972 students in secondary schools, including junior and senior schools, VTCs, TVETs, colleges, and universities,” he said.
Additional support for learning institutions
Beyond bursaries, the county government has also strengthened learning institutions through capitation support.
Rotich announced the release of Sh25 million for Vocational Training Centres and Sh28 million for ECDE centres.
According to the governor, the capitation funding will support 1,217 vocational trainees and 27,400 ECDE learners, helping institutions improve service delivery and learning outcomes.
“Capitation enhances pupil and student enrolment and retention in schools while improving the quality of learning in our institutions,” he said.
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Rotich reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to investing in education, noting that sustained support for learners and institutions is essential in building a skilled and productive generation capable of driving the county’s future development.
By Kimutai Langat
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