By Achola Bulimo Mathews
Bungoma County Governor Kenneth Lusaka has announced that his administration has allocated Ksh 144 million for form one scholarships and a further Ksh 180 million for bursaries across the county’s 45 wards.
Speaking at Mabanga ATC College, while launching the 6th Bungoma County Scholarship programme where 750 students are beneficiaries, Lusaka reaffirmed his commitment to streamlining both the scholarship and county Bursary Scheme.
“Like I promised during the campaigns I will streamline the bursary and scholarship scheme, ignore naysayers saying I will scrap it off, I am very committed to what I pledged,” said Governor Lusaka.
He stated that the funds will be sent directly to the school bank accounts to curb corruption cases witnessed when using cheques and to also reduce costs incurred when delivering cheques to institutions.
The county allocated Ksh. 4 million for each Ward for the county Bursary Scheme kitty that’s set to benefit close to 36,000 students within the county.
According to the County Executive Committee Member for Education David Wamamili, the students were selected through a thorough vetting process.
County Director of Education Mr Philip ChirChir lauded the scholarship and bursary programmes as for giving a chance to students from poor families to continue with their education.
Kanduyi Member of Parliament Hon John Makali said that the initiative will go a long way in producing future leaders through quality education.
Also present during the event were The Bungoma County of Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association ( KESSHA) Bungoma Deputy Chairman who doubles up as St Peters high school Musikoma Principal, Mr Robert Nabiswa, Tongaren Constituency Member of Parliament Hon John Chikati, Kimilili Constituency MP Hon Didmus Barasa, Bumula MP Hon Jack Wamboka, county CECMs and a section of Bungoma county MCAs led by the Deputy Majority Leader Joan Kirong.
