Kwale County Disburses Sh95 Million In Bursaries Ahead Of School Reopening
Kwale County has allocated Sh95.6 million in bursaries to support 2,685 bright but needy students in national secondary schools as part of its commitment to education. This initiative, spearheaded by Governor Fatuma Achani, comes ahead of the January 6, 2025, school reopening, ensuring that no child is left behind due to financial constraints.
Commitment to Education
Speaking at the bursary disbursement event in Kwale town, Governor Achani reaffirmed her administration’s dedication to empowering students through education.
“We want the beneficiaries whose parents cannot afford school fees to focus on their studies as schools reopen for the first term,” Achani emphasized.
The bursaries are part of the county’s Sh500 million ‘Elimu Ni Sasa’ program, which began in 2013 and aims to provide financial support to students in secondary schools, colleges, and universities across Kwale’s 20 administrative wards.
Impact of the Elimu Ni Sasa Initiative
Governor Achani highlighted the program’s achievements:
- 8,842 students fully sponsored to national secondary schools since 2013.
- An average of 16,805 secondary school students and 6,000 college/university students benefit annually from the scheme.
- Significant reduction in child marriages, teenage pregnancies, and school dropout rates.
This year’s allocation includes an additional Sh100 million set to be released for students in county-level schools, with all funds directly wired to the respective institutions.
Focus on Accountability and Excellence
Governor Achani urged beneficiaries to excel academically, warning that students who consistently underperform may be removed from the program. She also emphasized education’s role in combating social vices such as drug abuse and crime.
Support from Leaders
The event was attended by prominent leaders, including Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza and Kwale Women Representative Fatuma Masito, who praised the initiative for improving literacy and empowering the youth.
“Education is the springboard to self-development and achieving one’s dreams,” MP Tandaza said, urging students to take their studies seriously.
Masito noted the program’s success in transforming Kwale’s education landscape, enabling many bright but needy students to pursue their education and reduce financial pressure on parents.
A Brighter Future for Kwale
Governor Achani reiterated her administration’s commitment to investing in education, calling it the most reliable tool for socio-economic transformation. With continued support from local leaders and residents, the Elimu Ni Sasa program aims to maintain Kwale’s leadership in sustainable education practices and empower the next generation of leaders.
