The Ministry of Education has sponsored 57 learners from Laikipia and Nyandarua counties to join senior schools through the Elimu Scholarship Programme, offering full financial support for their senior secondary education.
The beneficiaries have been drawn from Rumuruti, Laikipia West and Nyahururu sub-counties in Laikipia County, as well as Nyandarua North and Nyandarua West sub-counties in Nyandarua County.
The scholarship targets learners from needy and vulnerable backgrounds who would otherwise be unable to proceed with their education due to financial constraints.
Speaking during the launch of the scholarship programme, Nyahururu Sub-County Director of Education James Murage applauded the government for the initiative, noting that it would significantly enhance access to senior school education among disadvantaged learners in the two counties.
Murage said that the low economic status of many households in the region has been a major barrier to education transition, particularly at the senior secondary level.
He added that the Elimu Scholarship would support the selected learners throughout the three years of their senior school education.
“The economic challenges faced by these families could not allow the learners to continue with their education. This scholarship will fully support them for the entire senior school cycle,” Murage said.
However, the director cautioned beneficiaries that the scholarship was not automatic and that its continuation would depend on their discipline and conduct while in school.
He warned that the scholarship could be withdrawn in cases of serious indiscipline.
On the selection process, Mr. Murage explained that parents initially submitted applications, after which a vetting committee conducted interviews where learners and their parents were assessed.
“This was followed by home visits to verify the living conditions of the applicants before a final decision was made,” he said, adding that the process was transparent and aimed at reaching the most deserving cases.
The director further noted that the scholarship, which is under the Ministry of Education and implemented through the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, covers full school fees for three years, a mattress, and other essential items required for learners’ upkeep while in school.
Parents of the beneficiaries expressed gratitude to the government for the support. Jane Waithira, whose child is among the recipients, said the scholarship had lifted a huge financial burden on their shoulders and appealed to the government to expand the programme to reach more needy learners.
Leah Wambui, whose son is living with a disability and will be joining a senior special boarding school, said she had lost hope of her child continuing with education due to financial challenges.
She lauded the government for fully supporting his education, saying the scholarship had restored her family’s hope.
By Kimani Tirus
