By Kipilat Kapusia
Parents, caregivers and needy learners fromWest Pokot County can now breathe a sigh of relief have after the County Government launched a bursary kitty worth Ksh 435 million to benefit
41,414 students.
The scheme will be released in two phases. Students in boarding schools will each get Ksh15, 000, universities and college students will each get Ksh 10,000 while those in day schools and driving schools will each receive Ksh 5,000.
West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin said his administration has prioritized and put emphasis on matters education to help reduce illiteracy levels.
“We have invested heavily in education because we want all children in remote areas to go to school,” he said.
He disclosed that he aims to change the narrative of the county being marginalized by uplifting education standards.
“We shall continue supporting bright and needy students until literacy levels in this region goes up,” said the Governor.
The County boss called on school heads to make prudent use of the funds to benefit deserving students and not to send learners home for fees.
Deputy Governor Robert Komolle advised the beneficiaries to take advantage of the program to work hard and excel in their studies.
“We want the beneficiaries to work hard so that they can uplift the economy of the region in future, ” said Mr Komolle.
He said the scholarship programme was an icing sugar on the cake for the bright but needy students whose future appeared bleak.
West Pokot County Executive Committee Member for Education Rebecca Kide lauded the bursary committee for burning the midnight oil to ensure needy students get education.
Lucy Naliaka and Nicholas Domokwang, both parents, thanked the County government for giving out bursaries.
