Some 4, 300 students from humble backgrounds will benefit from Sh. 53 million bursary funds that has been disbursed to various secondary schools, technical and vocational training colleges and universities by the Elgeyo Marakwet administration.
Speaking at his office in Iten, Governor Wisley Rotich noted that the committee also considered the children of Kenya Police Reservists (KPR) personnel. More than 100 children are orphaned by banditry or are living with disabilities.
He reiterated that the process was transparent and the list of beneficiaries emanated from public vetting at the sub – location level in all the wards of the county.
Rotich also noted that education is the quickest way out of poverty and added that by supporting needy students they were being given a stepping-stone to a better living. “We have to spend on our young people so that we can grow the community,” said the Governor.
He noted that the county is in the process of forming a revolving education fund that will help learners who want to further their education abroad, especially those who want to study medicine, the fund will be similar to the HELB loan scheme.
Rotich said that the County Government is also looking for more scholarships from other organizations and added his administration through World Vision under Imara programs has already given out 109 scholarships.
They also have the Tujiajiri program where after the training program, one is given tools to use in starting business ventures or working thereby reducing joblessness.
He noted that the girl child is lost through early pregnancies and added that by losing the child, the County also loses the money that had been invested on her hence he called for the arrest of culpable parents and residents to be publicly shamed in the community.
By Rennish Okong’o
