Laikipia County government has disbursed Sh75 million in bursaries to at least 15,000 bright and needy students.
Governor Joshua Irungu, while issuing the cheques in Nanyuki disclosed that more than 19,000 students had applied for the funds.
Citing the high number of applicants, he pledged have Sh100 million allocated for bursaries in the 2026/2027 financial year to cover those who missed out.
“I want to assure you that in the next financial budget, we will allocate Sh100 million for bursaries. The bursaries we are launching today will cover 15,000 students. If we expand the kitty, we will accommodate more than 20,000 students,” said Irungu.
The governor further revealed that 65 students received full scholarships, with their education fully financed to completion.
He urged next regime to continue supporting such learners including those joining senior secondary schools.
“We are giving 65 students full scholarships, and we will continue to give more. We encourage even the next regime to continue financing the education of those on scholarship until they complete their studies,” he added.
Irungu expressed regret over delays in the bursary disbursement, which were caused by a court injunction in January.
Mukogodo West MCA Nicholas Lempaira had blocked the implementation of the supplementary budget, arguing that it lacked public participation, failed to address public needs, and lacked transparency.
The case was recently dismissed by the Nanyuki court, paving way for the 2025/2026 supplementary budget implementation.
The governor cautioned leaders against politicizing development matters at the expense of residents.
by Muturi Mwangi
