The County Government of Nakuru has launched the second tranche of its bursary fund for the 2024/2025 financial year, disbursing Ksh287.7 million to support 49,865 learners across all 11 sub-counties.
During the launch at Langalanga Secondary School, Governor Susan Kihika reaffirmed her administration’s commitment to ensuring equitable access to education.
“This occasion marks a significant step forward in our continued commitment to supporting access to education for our children and youth across Nakuru County,” she said in a speech delivered by Education Minister Zipporah Wambui.
Secondary school students form the largest group of beneficiaries, with 34,286 learners receiving over Ksh134 million. Vocational trainees follow with 4,942 beneficiaries allocated Ksh71 million, while 5,626 college students will receive Ksh43.9 million.
Additionally, 4,622 university students have been allocated Ksh35.6 million, and 389 learners in special needs schools will receive Ksh2.4 million.
Governor Kihika urged stakeholders to sustain collaboration to ensure no child misses education due to financial constraints
“It is a testament to our shared belief that every child, regardless of their background, deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a better future,” he noted.
Beyond bursaries, the county has invested in education infrastructure and teacher welfare.
Over the past year, the administration has employed 498 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) teachers on permanent terms, bringing the total to 821.
It has also constructed 127 ECDE classrooms, 10 VTC workshops, and implemented a school feeding programme that has boosted ECDE enrolment to 65,000.
Additionally, the county has equipped nine VTCs with modern tools worth Ksh15.7 million, established 10 Centres of Excellence, and opened seven new vocational training centres.
Governor Kihika reiterated her commitment to supporting learners with disabilities and called for partnerships to enhance special needs education.
A total of Ksh440 million has been allocated for bursaries in the current financial year, up from Ksh342 million last year. The first tranche of Ksh165 million was disbursed earlier this year.
“We are here to give hope to the hopeless and to affirm our collective resolve to invest in the next generation, especially those who might otherwise be left behind due to financial constraints,” the Governor said.