In a bold and innovative stride toward addressing education funding challenges, the Uasin Gishu County Government officially launched the “Maziwa ni School Fees” programme today at Tuiyo Secondary School.
The ceremony, graced by Governor Jonathan Bii Chelilim, Cooperatives Cabinet Secretary Wycliffe Oparanya, and a host of local leaders, drew hundreds of parents, students, and dairy farmers eager to witness the rollout of this groundbreaking initiative.
The programme, designed to ease the financial strain on families while boosting the region’s dairy industry, could serve as a blueprint for tackling Kenya’s escalating education crisis.
The “Maziwa ni School Fees” initiative, piloted through the Tuiyo Farmers’ Cooperative Society, introduces a novel payment system where parents can offset their children’s school fees by supplying milk to designated cooperatives. Each litre of milk delivered is assigned a monetary value, credited directly toward tuition costs, offering a sustainable alternative for families grappling with rising educational expenses.
Speaking at the vibrant launch event, Governor Bii described the programme as a “transformative solution tailored to our people’s strengths.” He emphasized its dual benefit: keeping children in school while empowering Uasin Gishu’s dairy farmers, who form the backbone of the county’s economy.
Uasin Gishu, often dubbed Kenya’s breadbasket due to its fertile lands and thriving agricultural sector, produces over 3,000 litres of milk daily, according to county statistics. Yet, many of its rural families struggle to pay school fees, a challenge exacerbated by the national government’s refusal to clear over Sh64 billion in unremitted capitation funds owed to public schools. Against this backdrop, the “Maziwa ni School Fees” programme emerges as a beacon of hope, harnessing the region’s dairy wealth to secure educational access.
“We are turning milk into opportunity,” Governor Bii declared, flanked by cheering parents and students waving banners adorned with the programme’s slogan.
To ensure transparency and efficiency, the county has partnered with Space AI, a cutting-edge technology firm specializing in data tracking. Using a digital platform, Space AI monitors milk deliveries from farm to processor, reducing the risk of fraud and ensuring every litre is accounted for.
Cabinet Secretary Oparanya lauded Uasin Gishu’s ingenuity. “This is a model of how local solutions can address national challenges,” he said, urging other counties to adapt similar strategies. “Education is the backbone of development, and initiatives like this ensure no child is denied learning due to financial constraints.” He hinted at potential national support, suggesting that the Ministry of Cooperatives could collaborate with counties to scale up such programmes.
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The launch comes at a critical juncture for Kenya’s education sector. The Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) recently warned that schools might close early or hike fees by up to KSh27,000 annually due to the government’s funding shortfall. In Uasin Gishu, where dairy farming sustains nearly 60% of households, “Maziwa ni School Fees” offers a timely lifeline.
The county government has ambitious plans to expand the initiative to 20 more cooperatives by mid-2026, targeting over 50,000 students across its six sub-counties. “We aim to make this a cornerstone of our education system,” Governor Bii affirmed.
The event itself was a colorful affair, held on the sprawling grounds of Tuiyo Secondary School. Local cultural troupes performed traditional Kalenjin dances, while students showcased science projects powered by makeshift solar panels—a testament to their resilience despite resource constraints.
As the sun set over Simat-Kapseret Ward, the launch of “Maziwa ni School Fees” left an indelible mark on Uasin Gishu’s landscape. With its fusion of agriculture and education, the programme not only addresses immediate financial woes but also redefines how communities can leverage local resources for progress. If successful, it could inspire a nationwide shift, proving that even in times of crisis, innovation can light the way forward for Kenya’s learners.
By David Kipkorir.
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