Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has officially launched the issuance of bursaries to needy students, with the first batch of beneficiaries in day schools in Ngariama Ward receiving full funding.
Speaking during the event at the Kamwangi Coffee Factory grounds in Ngariama Ward, Kirinyaga East sub-county, the governor announced that all needy students in secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and universities who applied for bursaries will receive Sh. 10,000 each, noting the allocation will significantly ease the financial burden on parents.
Waiguru revealed that a total of Sh 7.65 million will be disbursed in each ward to benefit about 2,000 students, revealing that countywide, the bursary programme has been allocated Sh 142 million for the current financial year.
She noted that the delay in issuing bursaries last year was due to restrictions imposed by the Controller of Budget, temporarily barring counties from the exercise. “However, the county has now received approval to proceed with the programme,” she explained.
In addition to bursaries, the governor highlighted ongoing efforts to support education, including the distribution of free uniforms to all Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners in the county.
She added that production of more uniforms is underway to ensure the programme continues and benefits all learners in the current ECDE centres.
The initiative is part of the county government’s broader strategy to enhance access to education and support vulnerable families across Kirinyaga.
By Mutai Kipng’etich
