It is a sigh of relief for West Pokot parents after the county assembly made a decisive move today by approving a substantial education bursary budget aimed at supporting thousands of students in secondary and tertiary institutions from underprivileged backgrounds.
A session marked by unanimous support across party lines, the newly passed budget allocates substantial resources towards bursaries for needy students, classroom construction, road rehabilitation and water projects.
The move is part of Governor Simon Kachapin’s broader plan to ensure equitable access to education and modernise the county infrastructure to spur economic growth.
Speaking shortly after the vote, Assembly Speaker Fredrick Kaptui emphasised the importance of education in transforming the local population.
“This budget reflects our commitment to uplifting the dreams of our children and investing in the future of West Pokot. As you are aware, our county has been so marginalised for a very long time, thanks to devolution that has now tried to see our people getting more enlightened,” he said.
The bursary will be distributed through ward-level committees, which will vet applications and ensure that the most deserving students benefit.
Priority will be given to orphans, students with disabilities and those from families considered more vulnerable.
Separately, West Pokot Governor Simon Kachapin welcomed the move, calling it a “milestone in educational equity”, pledging to oversee transparent disbursement of the funds and warning against mismanagement.
“Every shilling must go to the child; it is meant to help,” he said.
Parents and community leaders across the county lauded the assembly’s move, narrating how they have been victims of mystery after the suspension of the distribution of the bursary funds by the county government.
“Many of us have been unable to keep our children in school owing to the previous decision by the government to deny the county government authority to issue bursaries, but with the approval, it is a big win,” they said.
The education bursary initiative is part of the county government’s broader push to reduce school dropout rates and improve academic performance in the region.
The funds will start being disbursed immediately once the vetting process is completed.
By Richard Muhambe and Victor Musamali
