500 students from various universities, colleges and secondary institutions who were fully sponsored by the Kajiado County government have completed the various levels of education for which the scholarships were given.
While addressing the students, Kajiado Governor Joseph ole Lenku said that his administration is keen on enhancing education in the county as it is a huge investment in human capital and ensuring all the courses pursued by the students are aligned to the prevailing job opportunities.
“We deliberately gave priority in the sectors of Health, Agriculture, Water and ICT though we also have a challenge in the number of teachers and nurses working in the county as most non-locals have a challenge in working in the remote areas of Kajiado. This means that those who pursued teaching and nursing courses will have direct employment as those opportunities are readily available,” said Governor Lenku
The county had allocated Sh 150 million to scholarships and bursaries in the current financial year up from Sh 40 million in 2017.
The governor revealed that the county will create a placement department in the Human Resource Department which will follow up on all the students who have been sponsored by the county to ensure that the resources that the county has invested on them are well utilized.
While noting that his administration will ensure that the graduates gain work experience by connecting them with various job opportunities, Governor Lenku urged all the investors in the county to sponsor some of the learners in the county in addition to offering internship and employment opportunities as it is their obligation to ensure that the community, they are operating from also benefits from their investment.
“All the secondary school students who will score grade B plain and above will be fully sponsored to pursue university education”, Ole Lenku revealed, adding that 500 other students will be recruited by the county for scholarships in the next two weeks.
He also revealed that Kajiado residents living in the diaspora, in consultation with the County government, had each agreed to connect two students to learning scholarships abroad which will greatly boost education levels in Kajiado.
On his part, the County Director for Education, Dr. Martin Cheruiyot lauded the county government for the scholarships adding that it is an indelible mark in the lives of the young people and the community.
“What matters has already been given to you. Your capacities have been build, your knowledge base is different, your skills have been enhanced and that is what matters. Since you have what matters, as you walk into the market place retool yourself for what the marketplace needs,” Said Cheruiyot.
He encouraged college graduates to scout for opportunities even outside the country as the world has become a global village.
Charity Njeri, one of the beneficiaries thanked the county for the scholarship saying it was a struggle for her single father to raise school fees for her and her siblings and getting a scholarship meant her dreams of a better future have been made possible.
Another Beneficiary, Felix Saruni who pursued Information Technology at Kabarak University is grateful for the scholarship saying it has changed his life for the better and has provided him with an opportunity that he never thought possible because of his humble background.
The students who have completed their education were selected four years ago from the 25 wards of the county.
By Diana Meneto
