Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has issued bursaries worth Sh80 million to 13,568 learners from different schools across the 40 wards in Machakos County in a bid to retain them in school.
Wavinya while speaking at the International Convention Centre in Machakos, during the launch of the education bursaries appealed to principals across the county to retain learners in schools and not send them home before the deposited cheques reflect in their accounts.
“The main goal in my manifesto is to give special focus to education and to boost access and retention of our school going children,” said Wavinya.
She pointed out that her role is to empower the next generation of engineers doctors, journalists, pilots, businessmen, carpenters and innovators among others.
“We are gathered here today to inject hope where there was despair, to inject life into dreams and visions of our young scholars in our high schools, TVET Institutions and Universities,” added the Governor.
Wavinya added that her government is determined to guard the dreams of their little ones in Early Childhood Development and People with Special needs.
The Governor noted that her government has embraced a holistic approach to, where through the department of education, they have initiated a feeding program in the ECDE centres across the county at a cost of Sh.30 million and also procured teaching and learning materials worth 10 million shillings.
Wavinya affirmed that the county aims at alleviating the financial constraints of its people and will ensure that no needy student remains home due to lack of fees.
She said that she is committed to supporting digital learning at all levels of education and through her office they have received 200 computers that have been donated to Katine Technical Institute and Machakos University.
She appreciated the efforts of the County Education team and the Members of County Assembly (MCAs) especially those who sit in the education committee for the sacrifice they made in actualizing the bursary issuance for 13,568 students in Machakos.
The Governor added that they have also reached out to well-wishers and corporate organizations for more support in the education sector.
“We worked with stakeholders and local leaders to ensure transparency in the process, the demand was greater than the available resources but I am glad we put a smile on the faces of a significant number of needy students in the 40 wards,” noted Wavinya.
She urged parents to engage the youth to consider joining the local vocational training centers so that they can acquire the required skills that will make them relevant in the job market and others can practice entrepreneurship.
The Governor further added that her government through the department of Public service continues to offer opportunities for industrial attachment as well as internship for a limited number of students pursuing various academic and professional courses.
By Anne Kangero
