Some 145 orphan students in Murang’a County will benefit from Sh1.45 million county bursary.
Murang’a Governor Dr. Irungu Kang’ata said the funds will ensure that the students also have an equal right to basic education.
Speaking during disbursement of the bursary cheques to the guardians of the beneficiaries on Wednesday at the county headquarters, Kang’ata said that each of the students will receive Sh10, 000 to support them in enrolling in form-one.
“Each of the 145 beneficiaries who excelled in the 2022 KCPE examination from across different primary schools in the county will receive Sh10, 000,” he said, adding that his government will continue to support bright but needy orphaned children in their high school education.
Kang’ata further said that his administration is committed to ensuring that all students access education at all levels regardless of their background. He expressed optimism that his administration will increase the amount significantly in the next financial year.
“The county government will expand the bursary kitty and grow the program in order to benefit even more children in future,” he said.
The governor divulged that the funds given out is part of Sh1 million contribution made by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua to support Murang’a county government bursary program on January 26.
“The monies issued out by the national government was not enough to cater for all the registered orphaned children hence we as the county government added an extra amount to be able to give all the 145 beneficiaries equal amounts,” he said.
Kang’ata said that the program will continue every year going forward to actualize his education mantra of “Equal Education Opportunity for every child in Murang’a.”
During the function, Kang’ata disclosed that in two weeks’ time, the Uji programme for ECDE learners will be launched to feed the little children to enable them stay in school.
“In every school, one parent will be tasked in the preparation of the uji for the learners and ensure its safety,” said the governor.
Murang’a County Executive Committee (CEC) member for Education and Technical Training, Faith Njoroge lauded the governor for being concerned and interested in the future of Murang’a children by ensuring that every student goes to school.
“Without education, the County will not develop fully. Children should be in school despite their financial background or any other challenges,” she said.
The CEC urged parents/ guardians to take their parenting duties seriously and bring up their children to be responsible adults.
By Anita Omwenga and Joy Mutonyi
