Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has launched a Sh162.9 million school scholarship programme, reaffirming her administration’s commitment to ensuring that no child is denied an education due to financial hardship.
Speaking while presiding over the presentation of the Governor’s Scholarships to beneficiaries at Githoko-ini Grounds in Kwa Matu center in Mau Narok Ward within, Njoro Sub- County, Kihika said the initiative marks a major boost to education support for vulnerable learners across the county.
The governor pledged that the disbursements will be carried out with integrity to ensure that only deserving students benefit.
Emphasizing education as a powerful tool for social mobility, Kihika described the initiative it as “the greatest equalizer,” saying every child deserves a fair chance to succeed.
She highlighted the ongoing collaboration with the national government and the use of ward-based funds to expand learning infrastructure.
“This programme will go a long way in supporting learners and easing the financial burden on parents, ensuring that talented children can remain in school and focus on their education,” Kihika said.
The scholarship programme forms part of Nakuru County’s broader education strategy, aimed at improving learning conditions and ensuring that every child, regardless of background, has an opportunity to achieve their full potential.
The allocation totals Sh162,963,052 and is intended to assist learners, whose families face difficulties meeting education expenses.
However, the county has not specified in the announcement the number of beneficiaries covered by this tranche, the amount each learner will receive or the allocation per sub-county.
Kihika pointed out that the disbursement comes as families continue to navigate the costs associated with keeping children in school including fees balances, uniforms, learning materials, transport and accommodation.
“For households with several school-going children, these expenses can compete with spending on food, healthcare and other essential needs. Bursaries can help bridge some of these financial gaps, particularly for learners from low-income households,” noted the Governor.
She added, “Their effectiveness, however, depends on transparent identification of beneficiaries, timely payment to learning institutions and allocations that reflect the level of need.”
Nakuru has previously used bursaries to support learners at different levels of education. In January 2025, Kihika announced a Sh440 million bursary allocation targeting 46,345 students across the county.
She said individual awards ranged from Sh5,000 to Sh10,000, depending on applicants’ financial circumstances.
The governor also said applicants who missed out in the previous allocation would receive priority, while low-income settlements were expected to receive a larger share based on need. She emphasized transparency in the distribution of the funds.
According to the Governor the latest tranche presents an opportunity for the county to demonstrate how its bursary programme reaches learners facing the greatest financial obstacles.
“Publishing beneficiary numbers, ward-level allocations and the criteria used to assess applications would help parents understand how assistance is distributed. The Nakuru County Bursary Fund Bill, 2025, proposes a framework for providing financial assistance to needy students who are permanent residents of the county,” explained Kihika.
The Bill’s stated objectives include improving access, equity and retention, as well as increasing enrolment, transition and completion rates.
The proposed framework also identifies conflict of interest as an issue requiring attention in the administration of the fund.
Kihika highlighted that effective oversight is important because bursaries involve public resources intended for learners whose access to education may be constrained by their families’ financial circumstances.
She noted that county education support also extends beyond conventional school bursaries.
In January 2025, County Executive for Education Zipporah Ngugi reported that Sh11.5 million had been disbursed to benefit more than 5,500 learners in Molo Sub- County.
She also outlined county support for vocational training, including annual capitation of Sh30,000 per trainee at vocational training centres.
Ngugi added that Such interventions matter because financial barriers can affect learners at different stages, from secondary school to tertiary and technical training.
“Support for vocational education can also help young people acquire practical skills for employment and self-employment. For the current disbursement, the key measure of success will be whether assistance reaches eligible learners in time to meet their education obligations,” stated Ngugi.
She pledged that the county government will demonstrate how the Sh162.96 million is shared across the 11 sub-counties and how it will monitor the use of the funds. The second tranche adds to Nakuru’s continuing investment in education support.
Clear reporting on beneficiaries, allocations and payments will be essential in showing how the public expenditure translates into practical assistance for learners and their families.
By Jane Ngugi and Jefther Afuyo
