Kirinyaga: Kirinyaga Governor, Anne Waiguru has issued Sh129.5 million in bursaries to benefit 48,000 vulnerable students, reaffirming her administration’s commitment to ensuring that no child misses education because of school fees challenges. Speaking during the bursary disbursement ceremony at the County Headquarters, the governor termed the programme a major investment in the future of Kirinyaga’s children, noting that the beneficiaries cut across all levels of education.
According to Kenya News Agency, out of the total beneficiaries, 37,002 are secondary school students, 5,565 are college students, while 5,433 are pursuing university education, a move she said demonstrates fairness and inclusivity in access to education. Waiguru noted that the latest allocation raises the county’s total bursary disbursement to Sh670.2 million since 2017, reflecting a sharp increase from the Sh49.1 million allocated during the 2017/2018 financial year.
She said the continued rise in funding highlights the county government’s determination to reduce the financial strain on families, while widening opportunities for learners. The governor said beneficiaries are identified through ward bursary committees, a framework the county says promotes accountability, transparency and responsiveness to local needs. ‘These committees understand the unique difficulties facing families in their communities and help us identify the most deserving beneficiaries,’ she said.
During the event, Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari commended the governor for consistently prioritizing education and protecting county bursary programmes. ‘I would like you to appreciate Waiguru for this initiative, which has continued to support needy students across Kirinyaga over the years. She also played a key role in opposing the directive that had barred counties from issuing bursaries and because of her efforts, the programme was restored, enabling us to continue supporting these students today,’ said the MP.
Gitari further praised the county’s ECDE uniform programme, describing it as a transformative initiative for young learners. Murinduko Ward MCA and Education Committee Chairperson Charles Nyaga Nyamu described the bursary programme as life-changing for many struggling households. ‘This is a great moment for Kirinyaga. Education is the greatest equalizer because it gives people the opportunity to rise and sit with kings. I am a perfect example. I was once a needy student who benefited from education support and today I sit with leaders, including the governor. That is the strength of education,’ said the MCA.
Beyond the figures, emotional testimonies from beneficiaries highlighted the impact the programme continues to have on lives across the county. Virginia Wangeci Njuki, one of the beneficiaries, narrated how she almost lost hope after losing her father while in Form Three. She said the governor stepped in during one of the most difficult moments in her life and pledged to support her education. ‘She promised to support me throughout my studies and she fulfilled that promise. Today, I have graduated from KMTC with a diploma in orthopedic and trauma medicine. I am deeply grateful because she became my pillar when I had lost everything,’ said Wangeci.
Another beneficiary, Erick Kariuki, recounted his journey from hardship to graduation, saying the bursary support gave him a fresh start in life. ‘I completed my KCSE with good potential, but lacked school fees. I worked as an untrained teacher earning very little as I struggled to save for college, but several times I dropped out due to lack of fees. My life, however, changed after I met the governor in 2021 and she promised to pay my fees, a promise she honoured and in 2024, I graduated,’ said Kariuki. He said the opportunity restored his hope and enabled him to rebuild his future, promising to make good use of the support extended to him.
Apart from bursaries, the county is also increasing investment in foundational education, especially in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE). During the event, the governor distributed teaching and learning materials targeting 14,142 learners. The supplies included 62,127 textbooks, 20,709 pencils, curriculum designs and chalk. Nine ECDE centres also received furniture including chairs, tables and storage units as part of efforts to improve learning conditions, with the governor noting that construction of additional classrooms is ongoing across the county.
Waiguru said in technical education, Kirinyaga has continued revamping Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions through expansion of infrastructure, including workshops, dormitories and computer laboratories, alongside installation of modern training equipment. Consequently, enrollment in TVET institutions has increased from 889 students in 2017 to 1,332 students in 2025.
Waiguru emphasized that education remains a key driver of social transformation and economic empowerment. She encouraged beneficiaries to remain focused on their studies, describing the bursary support as an investment in their future. ‘As a county, we will continue investing in education at all levels by nurturing the abilities and potential of our children and youth. We are building the foundation for a more prosperous and equitable Kirinyaga,’ said the governor.
Source: Kenya News Agency
