A total of 153 students from Nyeri are set to benefit from free secondary school scholarships courtesy of the Governor’s Scholarship Program, Elimu Fund and the Nyeri Diaspora Leadership Academy.
The learners drawn from the eight sub-counties across Nyeri County are currently in Form Three and Form Four.
Since the inception of the program in 2028, a total of 240 students have benefited.
Speaking during the issuance of the bursaries to the learners, Nyeri Deputy Governor Warui Kinanire said beneficiaries will receive full scholarships enhance their smooth transition to tertiary institutions.
Kinanire further stated that selection of the successful beneficiaries was based purely on the financial constraints of each family with the neediest pupil being given first priority.
“Children are not just the leaders of tomorrow-they are the dreams society is already responsible for today. When investment is made in education, it does more than open classroom doors; it unlocks possibility, purpose, and a future shaped by prepared minds and empowered hearts,” posted the Deputy Governor on the County Government’s official Facebook page.
“It is against this backdrop that, together with the CECM for the Department of Education, Training and Devolution, Margaret Macharia, and the Chief Officer for Education, Dr. Lucy Ndumba, I presided over the issuance of cheques under the Governor’s Scholarship Program at the Cultural Centre in Nyeri town.”
He explained that through such programs, needy students who would have otherwise dropped out of school can now have an opportunity to pursue their cherished academic dreams.
He also lauded stakeholders who had decided to partner with the County government in boosting the sponsorship kitty for the program adding that the donation had greatly impacted positively towards the success of the program, now in its seventh year.
“Through initiatives such as the Governor’s Scholarship Program, the County Government of Nyeri, under the stewardship of H.E. Dr. Mwalimu Mutahi Kahiga, PhD., EGH, continues to demonstrate its commitment to nurturing talent and investing in human capital. Education remains a cornerstone of sustainable development, and the county remains steadfast in creating opportunities that enable learners to thrive. Although this marks the final issuance under the program, its impact will endure through the future shaped, the opportunities unlocked, and the dreams realized by the students it has supported,” he stated.
Mr Raphael Wanjohi who was representing the Nyeri Diaspora Leadership Academy lauded the County Government for instituting the education scholarship program which he termed a lifeline for needy families who cannot afford money to educate their children.
Wanjohi said since the program was begun, they have always supported the initiative through allocating funds to enable more pupils benefit from the scheme.
He also pledged the group’s continued support in achieving the aims of the county in availing funds to enable children from needy backgrounds acquire quality education just like those from well to do families.
“I am based in Atlanta in the United States and I am here representing the Nyeri Diaspora team which is led by Professor Peter Ndiang’ui. We have been partnering with the Governor of Nyeri in this initiative and have been able to educate a total of 34 pupils. For me this is a great joy to even see the parents with joy. These are parents who didn’t know where they were going to get even the next meal let alone school fees. So when we add up what we have here it really gives us a lot of gratification. We are so happy that this is going to happen and we are going to make sure that these kids are going to finish their form four(learning). It has been a good journey and we’re happy so far,” he said.
By Samuel Maina
