Taita Taveta County Governor Andrew Mwadime has issued a stern warning to county officials against misappropriation of funds allocated for bursary stating that they will face the rule of law.
“If you are found to have wasted the funds allocated for the education of our children, I guarantee you will be in for it,” he said.
In his speech, read by Taita Taveta Deputy Governor Christine Kilalo, during the commemoration of the 60th Madaraka Day in Taveta Town on Thursday, Mwadime stated that he will put in place mechanisms to ensure that bursaries are used for the intended purpose.
“I will put in place strategies to ensure that the funds are not squandered by corrupt officials in my government. All our children must read. And I repeat, our children must go to school,” he said.
Nine months since he took over the leadership, Governor Mwadime has paid school fees for students from poor families and those who did well in the KCPE exams in all wards.
According to him, all other students who come from poor backgrounds have received tuition funding through ward representatives who have decided to work together to ensure all citizens in the county benefit.
Besides ensuring improved Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE) sector by increasing teachers and equipment, Mwadime hinted that his government will increase bursary funds allocation in the coming financial years.
The county boss reiterated that children across the county must go to school and adding that lack of fees should not hinder them.
He noted that the County government had set aside Ksh100 million for education bursaries out of which Ksh60 million has already been issued out while the remaining Ksh40 million will be issued in the second phase.
However, the Governor decried the poor educational performance in the county in recent years stating that there is need to improve performance in all schools and reclaim past glory.
“In previous years, our Taita Taveta County was very specialized in educational matters. Sadly, it currently has been among some of the counties that are leading from behind. We will never accept this sad situation,” he said.
Mwadime however recognized the good results posted by Dr. Aggrey High School which took position one in the county with a University transition of 98% in the 2022 KCSE examinations.
By Michael Oduor
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