The Government’s Elimu scholarship has been awarded to 177 secondary school students in Kajiado County.
Speaking while flagging-off the beneficiaries in Kajiado, the Kajiado County Commissioner (CC), Jude Wesonga, said the government has increased the number of beneficiaries to reach more needy students.
He emphasized that education serves as an equalizer, allowing individuals from different backgrounds to meet and strategize their future together.
The County Commissioner chaired a Community Selection Advisory Committee, comprising government technocrats, religious and political leaders, Community Based Organizations (CBOs), Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and special interest groups.
He noted that all education stakeholders in Kajiado are keen to ensure that 100 percent transition to secondary schools happens and they are using all systems right to the Sub-location to ensure that no child is left behind.
Dr. Martin Cheruiyot, the Kajiado County Director of Education, said that the beneficiaries, 80 boys and 97 girls, were selected through a competitive process.
Dr. Cheruiyot stated that candidates with 280 marks or higher in last year’s Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams were chosen, considering poverty parameters like orphaned or incapacitated parents’ and their inability to provide school fees.
He noted that for affirmative action, candidates with disabilities and special needs who scored below 280 marks were also selected.
The selection process also included personal interviews and home visits, to ascertain that the beneficiaries are truly needy.
The Director further said that the scholarship is a holistic program that entails fee payment, provision of basic personal effects/ necessities for the learners in school in addition to a mentorship program.
In the mentorship program, the beneficiaries will get support for their academic, spiritual and mental journey.
“In every school where there is an Elimu scholarship beneficiary, we have a champion teacher who reports on their welfare,” said Dr. Cheruiyot, urging the beneficiaries to work hard in school as those who perform poorly will be dropped from the scholarship.
The Ministry of Education, through the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation and Equity Group Foundation, is awarding the Elimu secondary scholarship to needy and vulnerable learners with 280 or higher marks in all 47 counties.
By Diana Meneto and Sammy Rayiani
