Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has officially launched the distribution of bursaries worth KSh95.6 million to support needy students attending national schools.
Achani said the funds will benefit over 2,700 students drawn from all 20 wards in the region.
The governor said she will ensure that the remaining lot gets bursary as soon as the national government makes disbursement.
“We have prioritised those in national school sponsorship, but we are working to distribute the funds to others in extra county and county schools later,” she said.
Achani said there has been a delay in the disbursement of the funds from the national government but the county is working around the clock to have the remaining lot sorted out in subsequent phases.
She said despite the delay no student shall be left behind as her administration has made special arrangements with the schools to ensure no one is sent home for a lack of school fees.
Achani said she is committed to ensuring equitable access to education for all students, particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds.
She said education is a key pillar of the county’s development agenda, and no child shall be left behind.
The governor said she will ensure that needy and vulnerable students in secondary, tertiary colleges and universities benefit from the county scholarship programme.
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“The objective of the progamme is to enable as many students as possible to acquire education and reduce financial burden on their parents,” said Achani.
She said that the bursaries are being distributed by her administration through the “Elimu Ni Sasa” bursary programme, which aligns with her goal of empowering bright but disadvantaged students through education, enabling them to contribute positively to society.
The “Elimu Ni Sasa” programme was initiated by former two-term Governor Salim Mvurya in 2013, with the aim of providing full scholarships to students who achieve excellent KCPE and KCSE results, helping them pursue higher education.
Achani said she had improved the bursary kitty to Sh500 million from Sh400 million and will continue to strengthen the county scholarship programme that seeks to improve literacy levels in the region.
She asked parents to prioritise their children’s education for both their personal growth and the overall development of society.
Achani called on parents and teachers to closely monitor children’s education and behaviour both within and outside of school.
She further encouraged parents to ensure their children achieve excellent academic results to maximise the value of the bursaries and secure their future prospects.
“We will continue to support the bursary programme, as it has motivated many students to excel in their studies,” she said.
Achani stressed that a collaborative effort between parents, teachers, and the government is essential to raising responsible and well-rounded individuals.
She said the beneficiaries must take their studies seriously to justify the investment made in their education.
Kwale Woman Representative Fatuma Masito said that the bursary has played a crucial role in transforming the lives of children in the county.
She said through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund, her office has also been providing bursaries, with more than 1,600 students benefiting from the programme since 2022.
Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza praised the programme, noting its significant role in transforming the lives of communities in Kwale County.
“The programme has been instrumental in changing lives and uplifting communities by ensuring access to education for deserving students,” Tandaza said.
He encouraged students to prioritise their education, adding that it is the key to success and a brighter future.
“The path to success lies in quality education, and you must seize this opportunity to better your lives,” he said.
By Shaban Omar
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