West pokot: Governor Simon Kachapin has unveiled the FY 2025/2026 West Pokot County Bursary Programme, reiterating his administration’s commitment to enhancing access to education.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the launch attended by county leaders, education stakeholders, parents, teachers, and students, the governor described education as a crucial tool for transforming lives and communities in West Pokot County. Governor Kachapin emphasized, “My Administration firmly believes that no child should miss the opportunity to learn because of financial hardship,” adding that the event was a reaffirmation of their commitment to supporting numerous students through the County Bursary Programme.
The County government has earmarked Sh 350 million for this year’s bursary programme, which aims to support learners in secondary schools, universities, technical institutions, and vocational training centres. This latest allocation raises the County’s total investment in education bursaries to nearly KSh 1.9 billion since the current administration assumed office.
Governor Kachapin highlighted that the County has consistently increased education funding over the past four financial years despite facing economic challenges and budgetary constraints. He recounted, “We began with Sh 435.5 million in FY 2022/2023, increased the allocation to Sh 600 million in FY 2023/2024, followed by Sh 500 million in the subsequent year. Despite economic challenges and budgetary pressures, our commitment to our youth remains firm.”
The bursary programme is set to benefit 29,585 secondary school students, 6,029 university students, 1,370 KMTC trainees, 1,593 students in Teachers Training Colleges, 1,371 TVET students, and 522 trainees in Vocational Training Centres, totaling 40,460 beneficiaries. Boarding secondary school students will receive Sh 10,000 each, while day school students will receive Sh 5,000. University students and KMTC trainees will also receive Sh 10,000 each, whereas students in teacher training colleges, technical institutes, and vocational training centres will receive Sh 5,000.
The Governor explained that this year’s cumulative allocation adjustment was influenced by changes in the education system due to the implementation of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC). He stated, “As the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) continues to be implemented, the secondary school population has shifted, and our bursary support is now primarily focused on Form Three and Form Four students. Even with these systemic adjustments, we remain committed to ensuring that every deserving student continues their education without interruption.”
Beyond bursaries, the County government is also investing in education infrastructure to enhance learning conditions across West Pokot. Governor Kachapin mentioned the recent commissioning of two new ECDE classrooms at Kurer ECDE Centre in North Pokot, noting them as the first permanent stone classrooms in the area. He also indicated that the County was expanding investment in technical and training colleges to equip young people with practical skills needed in the modern economy.
The Governor further commended parents, teachers, school boards, religious leaders, and education stakeholders for their ongoing support in promoting education within the county. He directed the Department of Education and Bursary Committees to ensure transparency and efficiency in the funds’ distribution, emphasizing, “There is no room for delay; every deserving learner must benefit.”
Addressing students directly, Governor Kachapin encouraged them to remain disciplined and focused on their studies. “The County government has created the opportunity. The rest is up to you,” he said. “You are the future leaders, doctors, engineers, and professionals of West Pokot.”
The Governor called for collective efforts to ensure that every child in the county has access to quality education and equal opportunities for success.
