Kisumu Governor Anyang Nyong’o has announced a significant initiative for the financial year 2023/2024, wherein his government will provide scholarships to 1400 students across various educational levels.
Speaking during his state address, the governor noted that the disbursements, amounting to bursaries, will benefit 29,966 students in Secondary Schools, Vocational Training Centers, Colleges, and Universities from all 35 civic wards in the County.
Highlighting the commitment to education, Nyong’o revealed that the government had allocated a substantial Ksh. 205 Million in the preceding financial year for bursaries and scholarships, a tradition maintained since taking office in 2017.
Emphasizing Kisumu’s dedication to Technical Education and Vocational Training, the governor lauded the achievements of two VTCs, Akado in Kisumu East and Ahero in Nyando sub-counties.
Akado’s innovative approach includes the creation of a breastfeeding room, allowing teen mothers to attend classes while their babies are cared for by designated caregivers.
This pioneering initiative has positively impacted student enrollment and provided newfound hope to teen mothers.
Other VTCs, such as Rotary, Katito, and Nyang’oma, have also adopted similar facilities.
Meanwhile, Ahero’s VTC students contribute to the community by producing clothes, including school and corporate uniforms, which they sell to the public.
Additionally, they operate a flourishing vegetable garden, effectively reducing the college’s food budget.
Over the past two financial years, Kisumu County has completed six construction projects, disbursed capitation grants to VTCs, and established partnerships in the sector.
Governor Nyong’o expressed pride in the completion of Lela VTC in Kobura Ward, ready for an official opening, as part of the government’s ambition to establish at least one VTC in each ward within Kisumu County.
Notably, the county held its first joint VTCs graduation ceremony for 2229 graduands in March 2022.
In terms of early childhood education, the governor outlined the establishment of 686 ECDE centers, including 57 standalone public ECD centers, with a total enrollment of 50,724 children.
The county’s commitment to retaining children in ECDE centers is evident through a successful feeding program, with a budgetary allocation of Ksh. 16.9 Million in the financial year 2022/2023.
Furthermore, to enhance the capacity of teachers for young learners, the County Government collaborated with partners to train 1,141 teachers from all Sub-Counties in the financial year 2022/2023.
A noteworthy investment of Ksh. 20 Million was also made for the purchase of learning materials, aimed at ensuring quality education, a high completion rate, and 100% transition to Grade One.
In closing, Governor Nyong’o echoed the words of Nelson Mandela, emphasizing that education is the most powerful weapon to change the world.
By Fredrick Odiero
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