Elgeyo Marakwet County government has disbursed bursaries worth Sh 95 million to support the education of needy students in the county.
Governor Wisley Rotich presided over the disbursement benefiting 9705 students across the county at the Governor’s Square in Iten on Tuesday.
Accompanied by MPs Adams Kipsanai for Keiyo North and Caroline Ng’elechei, the County Women MP, Governor Rotich stressed the transparency of the bursary allocation process, ensuring that every deserving student received aid.
“I can assure you that there is no complaint whatsoever from the grassroots. Disbursing Sh95 million fairly is not a joke because this is not pocket change anyway,” Governor Rotich assured attendees.
The governor used the occasion to urge communities to engage in economic activities, stressing the importance of self-sustainability in meeting educational needs.
“There is nothing as pleasant as being capable of paying your children’s school fees comfortably without having to line up for a bursary,” he remarked.
Addressing the issue of youth unemployment, Rotich expressed satisfaction with the increased enrollment in vocational training centres and village polytechnics.
“From the time I became governor, the student enrollment in polytechnics was 1,080 and currently we have 3,800 which represents a significant improvement. I believe we have managed to convince young people that going to polytechnic is not a demeanour,” Rotich highlighted.
MP Kipsanai commended the governor for allocating a substantial amount towards bursaries while raising questions about the efficacy of the funds allocated for both bursaries and infrastructure development in learning institutions.
“It is about time we ask ourselves about the value of the money that we have disbursed towards both bursaries and infrastructural development in the learning institutions,” Kipsanai remarked.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Women Representative urged beneficiaries to ensure value for money in their academic performance.
“I call upon every parent to ensure you give your children a good foundation. A good foundation doesn’t mean enrolling them in expensive academies. It means you instill discipline in them,” Ng’elechei emphasised.
Furthermore, Ng’elechei highlighted the importance of students achieving quality grades commensurate with the funds disbursed to schools.
Deputy Governor Grace Cheserek stressed the importance of agricultural sustainability by urging bursary beneficiaries to participate in agricultural activities.
She announced that every beneficiary, upon receiving their checks, would be provided with free seeds by the County Department of Agriculture for planting.
The event, attended by education stakeholders including vocational training centre managers, secondary school heads, and officials from TSC, KNUT, and KUPPET, marks a significant effort by the Elgeyo Marakwet County government to prioritise education and youth empowerment.
By Rennish Okong’o
