Machakos County Government has since 2014 issued bursaries worth Sh550 million to needy students across the 40 wards.
Education and Skills Training Chief Officer, (CO) Dr John Kilonzo, said the bursary programme targets students in secondary schools, colleges and universities from poor backgrounds.
Dr Kilonzo said the beneficiaries were identified through public participation making the process transparent and fair.
“Residents sit amongst themselves in villages and agree on who deserves to get the bursaries. The process is open and fair,” said the CO.
Speaking to the press at the Masii chief’s camp during the issuance of cheques for beneficiaries in Mwala Sub County, Dr Kilonzo said the County Government would give out Sh80 million worth of bursaries in the 2021/2022 financial year.
He said the first phase of the bursaries totalling to Sh40 million to 136,280 learners across the 40 wards in the county has started while the second phase will kick off in April when schools open for a new academic year.
“Of the total beneficiaries, 67,570 are female, while 68,710 are male. The bursaries range from Sh2,000 for day scholars up to Sh10,000 for those in tertiary institutions,” added the CO.
Dr Kilonzo appealed to parents and guardians of the beneficiaries to take the cheques to school upon receipt to prevent the learners from being sent away from school.
“Do not stay with the cheques at home, take them to school and ensure that a receipt is issued by the school to ease monitoring,” noted the CO.
Speaking at the same event, Machakos Deputy Governor, Francis Maliti, disclosed that the county government was planning to start a scholarship programme for extremely needy and bright students to enable them pursue education up to the university level.
“Many students despite scoring high grades don’t go to the university due to lack of fees,” said Maliti.
The Deputy Governor also underscored the need to introduce life skills training to learners to prevent them from indulging in drug and substance abuse.
By Roselyne Kavoo
