By K, KNA
At least 29 students from Igembe South and Igembe Central sub-counties have benefited from the Elimu Scholarship programme, offering a lifeline to learners from vulnerable backgrounds.
Speaking to KNA, the Igembe South Director of Education, Godana Barrile, said the beneficiaries were selected strictly on the merit of neediness.
Barrile noted that priority was given to learners from orphaned families, single-parent households, those living with disabilities and families grappling with chronic illnesses.
Out of the 29 students, Igembe South accounted for 16 beneficiaries, eight boys and eight girls, while Igembe Central produced 13 students, comprising seven girls and six boys.
The Director revealed that the number of applicants was overwhelmingly high, with Igembe South recording the highest number at 555 applicants, compared to 269 from Igembe Central.
He said the high turnout underscored the growing demand for educational support in the region.
“The selection process was competitive and transparent. Unfortunately, we could not accommodate all deserving cases due to limited slots,” Barrile said, adding that many needy learners were left out.
He encouraged students who did not make it to remain hopeful and to ensure they have reported to their respective schools as directed by President Dr. William Ruto, who had instructed that all learners should be in school by the close of business today.
On the implementation of senior school pathways, Barrile noted that Igembe South currently has only one school offering three pathways, Christ the King Boys Senior School, attributing the slow uptake of pathways such as sports science to infrastructural challenges, particularly lack of land.
“Many schools do not have adequate land to offer sports science, which requires fields for practical lessons. This has limited the rollout of all pathways across the sub-county,” he explained.
Barrile called on stakeholders including the national government and other development partners to invest in school infrastructure to ensure equitable access to all senior school pathways.
He reiterated the government’s commitment to expanding educational opportunities and supporting learners from disadvantaged backgrounds.
