Elgeyo marakwet: A total of 7,284 students from vulnerable families in Elgeyo Marakwet County have received a major boost in their pursuit of education after the county government disbursed Sh73 million in bursaries to support their learning.
According to Kenya News Agency, the bursary funds, issued by Elgeyo Marakwet Governor Wisley Rotich, will benefit students enrolled in secondary schools, Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, colleges, and universities across the country. Speaking during the official handover of bursary cheques to schools, colleges, and universities, Rotich stated that the financial support would ease the burden faced by many families struggling to meet education costs.
Governor Rotich highlighted the significance of bursaries in promoting equitable access to education, ensuring that learners from disadvantaged backgrounds are not left behind. He emphasized that the bursary funds would help students access equal education opportunities, thereby increasing completion rates.
He further revealed that the latest disbursement brings the total bursary funds issued by his administration over the last four years to Sh321 million, benefiting 28,972 students across various learning institutions. ‘From 2023 to date, we have disbursed Sh320,967,898 to 28,972 students in secondary schools, VTCs, TVETs, colleges, and universities,’ he said.
In addition to the bursaries, the county government released Sh25 million as capitation for Vocational Training Centres and Sh28 million for Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres. According to the Governor, the capitation funds will benefit 1,217 VTC students and 27,400 ECDE learners across the county, enhancing pupil and student enrolment and retention while improving the quality of learning.
Governor Rotich concluded that the county administration continues to prioritize education as a key pillar of development, with increased investment aimed at improving access, retention, and completion rates among learners.
