One hundred and forty needy secondary school students in Samburu County have benefited from a Sh1.9 million bursaries from the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).
Speaking during the disbursement exercise in Maralal town, Samburu Woman Representative, Maison Leshoomo, lauded the National Government for assisting bright needy students with school fees.
Leshoomo noted that most parents in Samburu County are unable to raise school fees for their children due to hunger that has been caused by persistent drought in the region.
“Many students have not reported back to school after mid-term because schools had directed students to report back with school fees, but with these bursaries, we will send a good number back,” she said.
At the same time, the Woman Representative urged the National Government to supply food to Day Secondary Schools to save parents from paying for meals.
“If there is any food that the government is supplying to the counties, I would like to request that it is better if Samburu County can receive that food so that it can be used as school fees,” Ms Leshoomo said.
The beneficiaries said the government’s bursary program has restored their hope for a brighter future and promised to work hard.
“It’s very hard for my parents to raise school fees at this time and I’m very thankful to the government for paying my school fees. I will work hard when I report to school tomorrow,” a student expressed.
By Robert Githu