Taita Taveta County Government has offered full scholarships worth Sh20 million to 100 needy students drawn from 20 wards in the County to facilitate their transition to secondary school.
Handing over the bursary cheques at his Mwatate office, Taita Taveta Governor, Granton Samboja urged the beneficiaries to take advantage of the opportunity and work extra hard in their studies keeping in mind that other deserving students might have been left out of the competitive scholarship.
“We have many other students who would wish to benefit from this opportunity but because of our limited resources and how we plan, you are the lucky ones. Please take advantage of that,” he said.
Governor Samboja advised the students against engaging in activities that would ruin their chances of achieving their dreams and urged them to stay focused in their studies.
The CEO Education Fund Board, Philip Mwangale noted that the board was actively working towards adjusting the policies to accommodate more learners.
“The criteria for awarding beneficiaries has been revised so that more students could be picked, gender parity was also observed such that 51 boys and 49 girls were awarded the scholarships,” he said.
Executive Secretary of Kenya Union of Post Primary Education Teachers (KUPPET) – Taita Taveta, Shedrack Mutungi speaking at the event, emphasized on the need for education and gave an assurance that the students will be well received and mentored by the teachers. He also asked the parents to play their role in ensuring the students receive the essential moral values.
“As the county helps us in the major roles, let us ensure our children routinely attend church to build on their character while they’re at home,” said the unionist.
The students and their parents were also issued with washable masks to help in prevention and curbing the spread of Covid-19.
Governor Samboja also used the event to urge the residents to be more vigilant and adhere to the set Covid-19 regulations following the recent surge of positive cases.
He disclosed that Taita Taveta County had recorded 55 positive cases with seven other patients in critical condition and warned leaders against convening gatherings that could lead to an increase of Covid-19 transmissions.
“I have directed that all project implementation be put on hold for 14 days so as to contain the spread of infections. However, the Mwatate Sub County Hospital and other completed medical facilities may be launched as this will be vital in combating the virus” he added.
By Raphew Mukuyia
