10 Kajiado County Government plans to increase its budgetary allocation for bursaries to Ksh100M in the next financial year. This follows a cabinet decision to adjust the kitty to meet the ever increasing demand for educational opportunities by the residents most of whom cannot affords fees to access secondary schools and tertiary institutions.
Martin Moshisho, Kajiado Deputy Governor made this revelation during a cheque issuance ceremony to mark the bursary week at Kajiado town. “So far Ksh40M of the total Ksh. 80M for the Financial year has been disbursed to the beneficiaries so far and we hope that in the coming financial year we can allocate Ksh100M and a further Ksh150M in the following year,” said Moshisho.
He stressed on the importance of education in spurring development in a largely pastoral community and the urged parents to encourage their girls to pursue education opportunities at all levels.Moshisho also observed that 80% of the bursary beneficiaries were students pursuing their education in schools outside the County. He said this trend can be reversed if all education stakeholders work together to improve the standards of education in County day and boarding schools.
“ I am not discouraging parents from taking their children to their choice schools but I believe that if we put our house in order and offer quality education, our schools are capable of competing in equal footing with others outside the County,” he said.
His sentiments were echoed by CEC Education, Jeremiah Ole Ncharo who asked for collaboration between parents and education professionals in seeking ways to improve the learning environments in county schools.“Stakeholders in the education sector need to act fast to improve the performance of our County schools so as to attract and retain our children “ he said.Ncharo further implored upon school heads to create a culture of transparency by posting the list of bursary beneficiaries on bulletin boards at their schools to avoid speculations and suspicion from members of the public over the whole process.
Speaking at the same function Ewuaso Onkidong’i MCA Justus Ngossor assured parents of the full backing of the County Assembly in pushing for more budgetary allocation for bursary funds to benefit more children in the Wards.“We are here to articulate your concerns at the County Assembly. We will support as long as you share with us your vision,” said Ngossor.The legislator exuded confidence in the officers within the department of education terming them professionals who are fully aware of the challenges of the education system. Ngossor who is also the Chair of the County Assembly Education Committee further urged the head teachers to work closely with their leaders to ensure progression in the their institutions.
Members of County Assembly, Ministry of Education officials and other local leaders were also present at the occasion.
The week long exercise which started off in Kiserian, Kajiado West will be replicated in all constituencies and climax on Saturday in Loitokitok, Kajiado South.
