Murang’a County, through the County Budget and Economic Council, has issued a total of Sh9 million bursaries to needy students who are slated to join university this year.
In a programme dubbed the Murang’a County University Bursary Fund, 118 first-year students who are orphans and from poor families drawn from various parts of the county will benefit from the amount to lessen the university fee burden.
Among those considered to benefit from the bursaries, the majority came from day secondary schools and were from underprivileged families.
Governor Irungu Kang’ata, while issuing the bursaries on Saturday, said the learners underwent vetting, saying those who applied and were first years were considered for bursaries.
“Only those who did not qualify are those in the second, third, and fourth years. A fair vetting exercise was conducted based on the criteria that was given.
“The initiative was championed by the county budget and economic council chaired by Peter Munga, Chairman of Equity Bank,” said Kang’ata.
He lauded those who mobilised and supported the programme, saying the aim was to ensure needy students, and especially those managed to be enrolled in universities, don’t miss the chance to join higher learning institutions.” He noted during the occasion held at Mumbi grounds in Murang’a town.
“This support will ensure you pursue education without many challenges. It’s your duty to dedicate your time to studies and avoid being indulged in irresponsible behaviours.” Kang’ata advised the students.
On his part, Munga said members of the economic and budget council managed to mobilise Sh. 7 million, while Kakuzi horticultural company donated Sh. 2 million towards the initiative.
“This is an initiative of its kind. We valued the potential in education, and that’s why we have mobilised resources from members of the council among other organisations to ensure needy and bright learners don’t miss their chance to pursue university education.” He added.
The chairman said the money will be distributed to students considering the programmes they have been admitted to pursue in university.
The council, Munga noted, will continue to mobilise more resources to ensure the students can access bursaries to finalise their studies.
Kakuzi Company PLC pledged to provide paid-for internship opportunities to bright and needy students enrolled in the county university bursary fund upon completing their secondary school studies.
The company’s Executive Head of Corporate Affairs, Simon Odhiambo, said in the internship programme, Kakuzi will provide 20 leadership development slots for students drawn from the seven sub-counties in Murang’a.
“The company will coordinate with the Fund to offer internship slots as part of a strategy to motivate the students. Kakuzi is committed to work closely with the Murang’a County University Bursary Fund to sustainably provide leadership development opportunities for needy but bright students.” Remarked Odhiambo.
The internships, he added, will give on-the-job immersion opportunities at management and supervisory levels across operating disciplines such as finance, legal, agronomy, human resource management, agricultural engineering, marketing, and communications, among others.
During the occasion, more than 4, 000 secondary students under the Nyota Zetu scholarship programme also received cheques for their third term.
The Nyota Zetu programme was established by the previous county government to fully cater for school fees of needy students from poor families.
Kang’ata said the programme is coming to an end as his administration has adopted another initiative to support more learners, including those in day secondary schools.
By Bernard Munyao and Purity Mugo
