Increased access to education has helped curb cases of cattle rustling that had characterized the Pokot region about 17 years ago, West Pokot County Commissioner, Apollo Okello, has noted.
Speaking during the Commissioning of the 2021 ‘Wings to Fly’ and Elimu Scholarships by Equity Group Foundation at Makutano Stadium in Kapenguria, Okello said education has changed the lifestyles of the residents, making the County turn into a place for investment due to reduced cases of cattle theft.
“Education has assisted many residents to abandon retrogressive practices such as cattle rustling and Female Genital Mutilation, which were rampant in the past. With more educational programmes such as this one, our girls and boys will be at par with the rest of the country,” stated the CC.
He lauded the County Government for dedicating huge budgets towards educational bursaries to the students joining various levels in educational institutions.
“I think this is one of the counties that has invested heavily in sponsorship of students to achieve their educational needs. With this trend, the County will attain tremendous empowerment,” Okello said.
He urged more partners to come on board to support children from vulnerable backgrounds, predicting that if scholarships are enhanced then in the next 10 years, West Pokot County will be proud of educational champions.
The CC advised the beneficiaries to yearn for excellence in their secondary school education so as to make their parents and financiers proud.
A total of 257 beneficiaries were awarded the scholarships, out of the 800 applicants, in an event that was presided over by Equity Bank Chief Executive (CEO), Dr. James Mwangi.
By Richard Muhambe
