The County government of Murang’a has issued scholarships valued at Sh80 million to 1000 needy students awaiting to join Form One, under a programme dubbed Nyota Zetu.
The new group will increase the cumulative number of beneficiaries of the programme to 3, 000, with the County Governor Mwangi Wa Iria saying his administration is coming up with robust a policy to ensure the needy students will continue to get assistance even upon expiry of his term next year.
The programme, started in 2019 ensures that every year some 1, 000 learners from poor backgrounds get full scholarships from the county government.
Once selected, the students continue to benefit from the scholarship for the next four years as they pursued secondary education.
Speaking while issuing the scholarships at Ihura Stadium Monday, Wa Iria hailed the programme saying it gives a chance to students from poor families to realize their education goals.
“We started this programme to ensure students whose parents can’t afford to pay for their children’s secondary education are assisted to continue with the noble task,” he said.
Wa Iria backed by local MCAs stated the process of picking the neediest cases was transparent as it involved community leaders, members of clergy and teachers.
“I attest that the process of picking the beneficiaries was transparent. As county government we want to ensure students who could have missed joining secondary schools are assisted and continue with their education,” he added.
He continued, “this is a noble move to support education of the needy in the county. As I leave office next year, I will ensure whoever takes over will continue supporting the programme. Educating our children is one way to fight poverty in the community.”
Meanwhile, the initial batch of students who were picked for the last two years will continue to get their scholarships till they clear their secondary education.
At the same time, the governor who has since announced his interest to vie for the Presidency come 2022, said his party advocates for equitable distribution of resources saying by ensuring every region gets a favorable share from the national government, the country will remain united.
“I believe in equitable distribution of resources. That’s the only way the country will have strong unity without considering the president is from which community. All Kenyans must feel they are part of the government and this can only be attained through fair distribution of resources,” he said.
A parent from Gitugi ward Kibiru Maina lauded the programme saying it has enabled his son to remain in school.
“My child was selected for the programme last year and I am happy that he is proceeding well with his studies. The scholarship caters for all expenses,” he added.
By Bernard Munyao
