The Kiambu women representative, Ann Wamuratha, has disbursed over Sh9 million in bursaries to hundreds of local students, under the county’s back to school initiative.
The funds were issued at the Women Representative’s office in Kirigiti, Kiambu Sub-county, targeting needy students from across the county, as schools reopen.
The program seeks to ease the financial burden on parents and guardians, while ensuring that vulnerable learners are not forced out of school due to lack of fees.
Speaking during the exercise, Muratha emphasized that access to education was a fundamental right and a cornerstone for sustainable development.
She noted that the bursaries reflect a people-centered leadership model, focused on delivering tangible benefits to residents.
“Education is not a favor; it is a right. Leadership must work for the people and deliver real impact,” said Muratha, reiterating her commitment to inclusive development and equal opportunity for all learners in Kiambu county.
In addition to school fees support, the initiative incorporated economic empowerment measures, aimed at strengthening household incomes.
Consequently, families and small-scale traders received business umbrellas, dryers, and UV machines to support micro-enterprises, while a needy mother was provided with start-up capital to help her establish a small business.
At the same time, students also received bar soaps, while school-going girls were issued with sanitary pads to promote dignity, health and uninterrupted learning.
The beneficiaries expressed gratitude, saying this support would ease financial stress and allow students to focus on their studies.
One of the parents, Mary Wanjiku from Kiambu Sub-county, said the bursary had come at a critical time.
“This support means my daughter can now go back to school without any undue delay,” said Wanjiku, adding, “I had no idea how I would raise school fees for this term. Today, I feel hopeful because my child’s education is secure.”
Muratha noted that empowering women and youth remains her top priority, observing that economic stability at the household level directly contributes to better education outcomes and stronger communities.
“This is the kind of development that touches lives. We will continue to invest in education, empowering women and youth and uplifting our communities because leadership is all about service, results, and impact,” she said.
The back-to-school initiative is part of ongoing efforts by the Kiambu county Women Representative’s office to promote inclusive growth and social equity.
As schools reopen, the bursary and scholarship program is expected to ensure more students remain in class, while reinforcing communities resilience across the county.
By Grace Naishoo
