Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga presided over the disbursement of bursary cheques totalling Sh5 million to 180 bright but vulnerable students across Nyeri County.
The sponsorship was made via the Governor’s Bursary Scholarship Programme that he initiated in the year 2018 to aid students who hail from humble backgrounds secure their future, of which 120 students are already in higher education institutions.
Speaking during the ceremony held outside his office, Kahiga, who was accompanied by his Deputy, David Kinaniri, said the students of Cohorts 4, 5, and 6 received the disbursement from the allocation of last financial year.
He said the programme absorbs 60 students annually and facilitates their secondary education through the provision of a four-year full bursary.
“This venture aims at creating an adequate and quality pool of human resources that will drive and elevate the economy of the county and the country, for these students are tomorrow’s leaders,” Kahiga said.
The County boss said, through the Department of Education, the County Government of Nyeri distributed Sh85 million from the Nyeri Elimu Bursary Fund kitty to over 17,500 beneficiaries from vulnerable backgrounds in secondary schools, universities, colleges, polytechnics, and special schools.
He urged the beneficiary students to maintain discipline both at home and in school, focus on their studies, set goals, and work towards achieving their dreams.
Kahiga at the same time counselled the parents and students to keep their hopes alive and encouraged them not to focus on the hardships encountered while pursuing education, saying students should also make use of the opportunity accorded to them as all necessary support will be accorded to them.
“My administration remains committed to supporting the education of our children, the improvement of academic performance in our county, and ultimately, the lives of our youth,’ said Kahiga.
Alice Wanjiru, a beneficiary, thanked the governor, saying she can now go to school and proceed with her studies, adding that her parents could not afford to take her to school.
Another beneficiary, one James Nderitu, said, “I will make sure the bursary given to me by the Governor is well used in putting a lot of effort into my studies.’’
Also present was Education CECM Margaret Macharia, among other county officials.
By Beth Ndirangu
