6000 beneficiaries from Kajiado have received their bursary cheques in the second phase of disbursement of Sh40M funds from the allocated County bursary kitty for this year.
During the cheque issuance ceremony at KCB Grounds, Kajiado HE Joseph Lenku said gone are the days that children in the County could not access education due to historical inhibitions like famine, drought and retrogressive cultural practices.“My government is determined to ensure that the children of this generation do not go through literacy challenges like their parents did” said Lenku.
He further added that the upward trajectory on bursary allocation, currently at Sh150M is a testimony to his resolve towards the betterment of the education in the County.
The Governor further said the sector based infrastructure developments and the emphasis on TIVETS in skills training are bound to address the gaps in tertiary education especially for out of school youth.
He asked school heads to be tolerant and desist from sending away children from school due to unpaid school fees occasioned by delayed bursary funds. Lenku also promised to pursue provisions for inclusion of special interest groups in bursary awards in the next financial year.“The County will continue to build on gains and develop ingenious ways of fostering development to make our people’s lives more bearable,” he said.
Education CEC Jeremiah Ncharo was emphatic about the milestones in the education sector including enhanced budgets for bursary, human resource and infrastructure developments. He however noted that most beneficiaries of the bursaries were seeking education opportunities outside the County. “The level education and performance has greatly improved and I believe our schools can match the performance levels of other established ones in the country,” he said.
He advised that the quality of education in County schools is adequate and urged parents to consider retaining their children in County schools rather than seeking education elsewhere based on perceptions.
Imaroro Ward MCA, Amos Peshut also took issue with the trend of bursary beneficiaries seeking education outside the County. “Let the local schools shine and have our learners come back home because we are channeling money to other Counties and doubling their development trend instead of our own,” said Peshut.
Nominated MCA Hon. Patricia Mbaaria who is the Vice Chair of Education committee assured residents of Kajiado that the County Assembly will continue to make sound legislations that will ensure that all learners benefit regardless of their location.“As your representatives we are committed to push for policies that will ensure that our children access education opportunities regardless of where they are, “she said.
Teachers were also asked to be proactive in liaising with their Ward Offices in selecting needy cases within their schools to access bursary funds. Nkaimurunya Ward MCA, James Waichanguru equally advised head teachers to be tolerant and not chase away students due to bursary delays.
His sentiments were echoed by MCA Samuel Teum (Kajiado) who impressed upon teachers to forward details of bright and needy case students who require sponsorship to get ahead with their education.“We expect you to note these students because you interact with them on a daily basis. These students need full support and it’s upon you to bring them to us (Ward Office) ,” he said.
It is expected that 10,000 more bright and needy students will benefit from the next Financial Year’s boosted allocation of Sh150M bursary funds. 81% of this year’s total budget was disbursed to Secondary schools beneficiaries with 10% and 9% going to Tertiary and Universities.