Dozens of needy students in Bungoma County have received an education lifeline after Westlands MP and gubernatorial aspirant Timothy Wanyonyi rolled out bursaries to support vulnerable learners.
Speaking during the issuance of cheques, Wanyonyi said the initiative reflects the leadership style he intends to entrench if elected governor, stressing that investment in education is central to transforming lives and securing the county’s future. “This is what I have been doing and what I will do if elected or not elected the Bungoma governor,” he remarked.
The ODM legislator explained that his office worked with Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) to identify deserving cases across the county. He added that the programme demonstrates his ability to serve Bungoma residents. Wanyonyi also urged parents to play their part in ensuring children remain in school. “Our investment in education is an assured bet that our children will take over from us. Bungoma and Kenya will be a better place for all of us even if we exit the stage,” he said.
According to Wanyonyi, more than 40 learners from different schools have already benefited from the support kitty. Each student received Ksh10,000, amounting to Ksh470,000 in total. Project manager Timothy Wakhungu noted that the bursary targets both secondary and higher education students, with priority given to those from vulnerable backgrounds at risk of dropping out due to a lack of fees.
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Wakhungu added that the initiative is designed to ensure continuity of learning, reduce dropout rates, and empower young people to pursue their academic dreams despite financial challenges. He recalled that in December last year, the programme disbursed Ksh410,000 to needy learners.
Despite the Controller of Budget’s caution against governors paying fees for needy students, Wanyonyi insisted that innovation can unlock resources for education. “It depends on how you deal with your work. You can have the law, but through innovation, you will get enough funds to do many things, including payment of fees. Sometimes it depends on who occupies the office. You can still find a way to serve all interests without breaking the law,” he explained.
He further pledged to make education support a pillar of his manifesto. “I will make sure these needy learners are in school. Under my watch as Bungoma governor and even without being in that office,I have already started doing that,” he said.
By Achola Bulimo Mathews
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