Igembe South Deputy County Commissioner Noah Kibet has directed all administrators, chiefs, and Nyumba Kumi leaders to ensure that every learner who has not yet enrolled in junior or senior secondary school reports to school by Monday.
Speaking on Friday at Maua Stadium during the graduation of ZOE Empowerment beneficiaries, the Deputy County Commissioner said the directive follows President William Ruto’s order that all learners must be in school, regardless of whether they have uniforms or school fees.
“No child should be left at home. All learners must be in school by Monday. Chiefs, assistant chiefs, and Nyumba Kumi leaders must move around their areas and ensure compliance with this directive,” he said.
Kibet warned parents and guardians against keeping children at home over lack of fees or uniforms, noting that the government has ordered all learners to be in school by Monday.
He added that in Igembe South sub-county, the transition to senior secondary school stands at 77 per cent, and administrators must ensure the remaining students report to school by Monday.
The DCC addressed residents during the ZOE graduation ceremony, where over 600 beneficiaries from Meru and Tharaka Nithi counties were awarded certificates for completing various programmes under ZOE Empowerment.
During the event, he revealed that 265 youths from the area have benefited from the Nyota Grants Programme, aimed at empowering young people to start or expand businesses.
He urged the beneficiaries to use the funds responsibly to create sustainable livelihoods and avoid wastage.
“This money is meant to change your lives. Use it to open businesses or boost the ones you already have. Do not misuse it,” he cautioned.
Kibet specifically warned youth against spending the funds on alcohol and entertainment, popularly known as “sherehe”, saying such habits would derail their future.
He also encouraged young people to embrace government empowerment programmes and vocational training opportunities, noting that these initiatives are key to reducing unemployment and crime in the region.
By Kamanja Maeria
