A total of 35 learners from vulnerable families in Wajir County are set to benefit from the Elimu Scholarship Programme.
The scholarship, funded by the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF) in partnership with the World Bank, targets needy learners joining senior secondary school and is being rolled out countrywide under the government’s education support initiatives.
Speaking during launching of the initiative at Wajir Girls High School, Wajir East Sub-County Deputy County Commissioner George Onyango said the county received 35 slots after a rigorous selection process aimed at identifying the most deserving cases.
“This is a nationwide exercise. We were allocated 35 slots for the very needy in society, mainly orphans and learners from extremely poor backgrounds,” Onyango said.
He noted that the selected beneficiaries included 53 per cent girls and 47 per cent boys, with female learners receiving a slightly higher allocation.
The deputy county commissioner acknowledged that the demand for scholarships was higher than the available slots, with many parents and guardians requesting increased allocation in future.
“The needs are many compared to the allocated slots, but we are grateful to the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, the World Bank and the government for supporting our learners,” he said.
Onyango explained that the Elimu Scholarship is comprehensive and covers school fees, uniforms, pocket money and other essential requirements, allowing beneficiaries to focus fully on their studies.
“The foundation has taken care of everything for the child. The learner’s responsibility is only to study, as all other needs will be addressed,” he said.
The Deputy County Commissioner urged beneficiaries to remain disciplined and work hard in their studies, noting that the programme offers an opportunity to transform lives and uplift communities.
“We have encouraged the beneficiaries and their parents to ensure the learners work hard, with the aim of giving back to the community in the future,” he added.
He said the exercise was conducted smoothly and transparently, reaffirming the government’s commitment to promoting access to education for learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
By Hamdi Buthul
