Today marks a significant milestone for education in Kiambu County as the government launches its annual bursary fund of Sh500 million for the 2024 academic year, aimed at providing crucial support to financially disadvantaged students across the county.
Governor Kimani Wamatangi announced the issuance of an initial sum of Sh200 million, intended to benefit over 38,000 students in the county as the first disbursement.
Under this scheme, students in day schools will receive a minimum allocation of Sh5,000, while those in boarding schools will receive Sh10,000, representing a notable increase from previous allocations.
Speaking at the launch held at the Kiambu County headquarters, Governor Wamatangi emphasized that expanding the bursary fund is geared towards increasing the number of beneficiaries and enhancing the support provided to each student.
“Our aim is to broaden the reach of the bursary fund, ensuring that more students in Kiambu County receive the assistance they need to pursue their education,” stated Wamatangi.
Highlighting the administration’s commitment to education, Wamatangi revealed that the bursary fund has been tripled from Sh100 million annually to Sh300 million, benefitting 77,000 students in Kiambu last year alone.
“In the past, the county allocated Sh100 million annually for bursaries over a decade. However, since assuming office, we have tripled the fund to Sh300 million,” he elaborated.
The disbursements, totaling Sh300 million, were distributed in March, July, and November last year, benefiting a significant number of students across the county.
Looking ahead, Governor Wamatangi outlined plans to disburse the remaining Sh300 million in equal installments in June, August, and December this year.
Expressing his ambitious vision for education in the county, Wamatangi disclosed his intention to propose an increase in the bursary fund to Sh700 million by 2025, with the ultimate goal of reaching Sh1 billion by 2026.
Furthermore, Wamatangi aspires to ensure that by the end of 2026, all secondary day schools in Kiambu County will offer free education to students, aiming to eliminate financial barriers to education.
Deputy Governor Rosemary Kirika commended the governor’s dedication to supporting parents in educating their children, emphasizing that the initiative fosters equal opportunities for all students in Kiambu County.
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