The county government of Nyeri through its bursary programme, Elimu Fund, has started issuing bursary cheques to some 15,000 students from needy backgrounds.
The beneficiaries include secondary school students as well as college, polytechnic and university students from the 30 wards in the county. Students from special-needs schools will also benefit from the funding.
Students from boarding secondary schools each received a Sh6,000 cheque, while those from colleges received Sh4,000 support. Students in special schools were awarded a Sh5,000 sponsorship; polytechnic students were awarded Sh6,000; and university students were each issued a Sh7,000 cheque.
Speaking after issuing the cheques at the Dedan Kimathi Kamkunji stadium in Nyeri town, Nyeri Deputy Governor Warui Kinaniri reiterated the county government’s commitment to supporting education.
The DG said that the executive would be increasing financial allocation by Sh50 million in the next financial year in order to support more students access education.
“The county government of Nyeri is committed to promoting the education sector as it is the only tool which can make a difference in Nyeri and the country at large. Bursaries bring major benefits to students from disadvantaged backgrounds and should be maintained alongside outreach programmes,” he said.
“To this end, the county government is planning to increase next financial year’s allocation from Sh100 million to Sh150 million in the next financial year so that more students can benefit,” added Kinaniri.
Accompanying the DG were County Executive Committee (CEC) Member in Charge of Education Margaret Macharia, Transport and Energy CEC Abi Hanif, Public Service CEC Peter Macharia and a host of Nyeri ward representatives.
At the same time, Kinaniri urged the beneficiaries to maintain discipline and work hard towards realising their educational goals.
By Wangari Mwangi
