Bungoma governor Wycliffe Wangamati intends to enroll an additional 1,000 needy students from the county into the governor’s scholarship program this year.
Addressing residents of Chebyuk ward in Mt. Elgon Sub County Friday when he visited families of scholarship beneficiaries in the region, Wangamati said the purpose of increasing the number of beneficiaries was to give as many children as possible equal opportunities and access to education.
The governor noted that 1,500 students across the county have so far benefited from the scholarship program that started in 2018 and he was targeting more students this year.
Among the beneficiaries are two brothers, John Kitio Koech a form 3 student at Kapsabet High School and Abraham Kitio Kiptoo a form one student at Kapenguria High School who have had very painful experiences at their tender age.
The duo lost their father to Sabaot land Defense Force in 2008, their mother went into depression thereafter and they were adopted by their aunt who was later evicted from her land following a family dispute.
However, despite the challenges the brothers excelled in their primary school exams and eventually landed into the governor’s scholarship program.
During the visit to their aunt’s place which has been the only home that has provided the two boys with some form of shelter and comfort, Wangamati thanked the benefactor for committing herself to ensure the duo had a sense of belonging.
“Christine, I want to thank you for giving the boys a second chance and I encourage you to keep your trust in God. I will do my best as governor and foster parent to ensure John and Abraham and all the 1,500 students on scholarship remain in school,” reiterated the governor.
by Roseland Lumwamu
