Kwale Governor Fatuma Achani has underscored her commitment to ensure quality education is achieved in public schools in the coastal county.
Governor Achani said education is the cornerstone of socio-economic development and that investing in children’s education is ‘investing into the future and prosperity of Kwale County.’
Achani was speaking when she launched the construction of two ultra-modern classroom blocks at Ukunda Secondary School, in Ukunda ward, Msambweni Sub-County.
She was accompanied by County Executive Committee Members (CECM) Mishi Salim (Education), Saumu Beja (Environment and Natural Resources), Michale Mutua (Trade and Tourism) and Francisca Kilonzo (Social services and Sports).
She said the devolved government is focusing on upgrading infrastructure and reversing the deteriorating state of the education sector in a bid to create a conducive learning environment.
Speaking during the event, Achani emphasised the county government’s unwavering commitment to improving access to quality education as a foundation for sustainable development and youth empowerment.
The coastal county boss said she is committed to fostering a learning environment where every child can thrive.
“Investing in education is investing in the future of Kwale. When we build classrooms, we are not just building walls; we are building hope, opportunity, and a pathway out of poverty for our children,” said Achani.
She said the county, through the ‘Elimu Ni Sasa’ bursary scheme has supported at least 30,000 secondary and university learners from underprivileged families with bursaries since its inception in 2013.
She said the Kwale County government, through the “Elimu ni Sasa” programme, has increased its annual bursary fund from Sh400 million to Sh500 million in 2024 to support needy students in secondary schools, universities, and colleges.
This programme, launched in 2013, aims to make education accessible and has sponsored over 30,000 students since its inception.
Achani said the increase in funds is intended to address the growing number of students requiring financial assistance.
However, Achani raised concerns over recent developments, revealing that the Controller of Budget (CoB) Margaret Nyakang’o had halted the disbursement of the County Bursary Fund, a decision that now threatens the education of thousands of vulnerable students.
“This move by the CoB endangers the dreams of many young people. We urge the national government to intervene and resolve the impasse urgently,” she said
The Controller of Budget’s office oversees the expenditure of public funds and has instructed the 47 county governments to halt funding for bursaries related to national government functions like secondary and tertiary education, citing constitutional responsibility.
This position requires formal Intergovernmental Transfer Agreements before counties can fund these programmes, leading to stalled disbursements and legal challenges from counties and petitioners seeking clarity on the legal process.
Achani further noted that the construction of over 500 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) facilities, along with the employment of at least 900 teachers, has significantly strengthened Kwale’s education sector.
“This significant investment in ECD reflects the county’s unwavering commitment to ensuring quality education is accessible to every school age child in Kwale,” she said.
In addition, the county has established and equipped 43 Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) and hired more than 130 instructors across all 20 administrative wards, a strategic move aimed at equipping youth with hands-on skills for self-employment.
Kassim Choka, the Ukunda school board member praised the new classroom project for directly addressing the infrastructure needs brought about by a rapidly growing student population.
“This initiative is a welcome for Ukunda Secondary School. Our students will now have a more spacious and focused learning environment, which is crucial for academic success. We thank the county for prioritising our students,” said Choka.
He said with the investments being made in the education sector by the county government Kwale is now poised for an education renaissance.
The construction is expected to be completed within 6 months, marking yet another milestone in Kwale County’s mission to create inclusive, equitable, and empowering learning opportunities for all.
By Hussein Abdullahi and Rachael Nzioki
