Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has allocated Sh144 million to the form-one scholarship kitty and a further Sh180 million for bursaries across the 45 wards.
Speaking at the launch at Mabanga ATC, Lusaka said the Sh144 million dispatch will cater for 750 students from needy backgrounds who have been put on scholarship.
Lusaka says he will streamline and expand both the scholarship and county bursary scheme programmes to cater for more pupils.
He instructed the department of education to publish and display the list of beneficiaries at their respective ward administrators’ offices for transparency purposes.
Lusaka said the funds will be sent directly to the school bank accounts to curb corruption cases witnessed when using cheques and also reduce costs incurred to deliver cheques to the learning institutions.
He added that each of the county’s 45 wards has been allocated Sh4 million to benefit close to 36,000 students within the county placed on bursary.
Bungoma County Director of Education Mr. Philip Chirchir said beneficiaries were selected through a thorough and very competitive vetting process.
Mr. Chirchir urged school Principals to stop frequent sending home of students for lack of school fees as it disrupts learning and disadvantages those affected.
He noted that the ministry is committed towards ensuring that no student stays at home for lack of school fees hence the partnership with the County Government and Members of Parliament for financial support of those from poor backgrounds.
Kanduyi Member of Parliament John Makali said that the initiative will go a long way in producing future leaders through quality education.
Makali hinted that parliamentarians will continue to review and improve on implementation of the CBC to make it acceptable to all stakeholders.
Tongaren constituency MP John Chikati asked school heads to establish a cordial working relationship with the school boards of management and parents association representatives for achievement of good results.
Bungoma County Deputy Chairman of Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association ,Mr. Robert Nabiswa proposed that the Ministry of Education should set up a classroom at national schools to host day scholars who may qualify but lack financial capacity,
Kimilili MP Didmus Barasa ,Bumula MP Jack Wamboka and a section of Bungoma county MCAs led by the deputy majority leader Joan Kirong attended the function.
By Isaac Wafula and Roseland Lumwamu
