Nakuru County Government launched the first tranche of 2024/25 bursary disbursement program yesterday, and is expected to run up to January 23 covering Naivasha, Nakuru and Gilgil Sub-county.
The total amount allocated was KSh 440 million, meant to benefit 46, 345 students across the County. So far, a total of KSh. 55,095,300 has been disbursed in Naivasha, Gilgil and Nakuru town West sub-counties benefitting 13,276 students.
The program was spearheaded by Nakuru Governor, Her Excellency Susan Kihika in absentia. The inclination of the program is to ease burden on families, empower youths and invest in the future of Nakuru, by ensuring every child has access to quality education
Additionally, all the 3 Sub- Counties received an extra KSh 65,000 for Lishe na Mama School feeding program, KSh 17,000 for distribution of Text books to public ECDE centers, and KSh 5000 for distribution of Age appropriate furniture.
The Chief Officer for education, Rosemary Kimani who represented the governor, stated that bursaries are being awarded based on merit to students in Universities, Colleges, Vocational training centers, secondary schools and special schools.
Parents in attendance appreciated the bursary initiative stating that it would ease their financial burdens and support their children’s education. The deputy Governor, H.E David Kones spearheaded the disbursement in Nakuru Town West Sub-County which took place at Tumaini House secondary school in Barut Ward.
“We are dedicated towards ensuring that all deserving students have access to quality education.” He said. He also highlighted the transformative power of education in improving lives and the future of Nakuru County youths.
Despite the steadfast commitment of Kihika towards education, Kenyans did not fail to ridicule her, following her observed prolonged absence from duty.
Kihika who has dual citizenship, Kenyan and American has been facing criticisms following her stay in America over claims of being on a maternity leave.
” This one is running Nakuru County using a zoom meeting.” Tindi Jeffrey said.
Stating that it was no coincidence that Kihika resurfaced right after President Trump signed an executive order ending birthright citizenship.
“It can’t be that the maternity leave is over! You were either smoked out of your hideout, or Trump threatened the hell out of you.” Nzile commented.”440 million out of a budget more than 10 billion. Tokenism is killing our counties.” David Macharia added.
Earlier, a directive by Controller of Budget barring county governments from issuing bursaries to secondary school students has been met by criticisms, with Mombasa governor Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir condemning the move as insensitive.
The directive said the bursaries are function of the national government, however governor acrosss the country strongly opposed the move.
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