Nuru Salim
Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani has launched the distribution of bursary cheques worth Ksh 95,605,722 under the Elimu Ni Sasa scholarship initiative.
The funds, aimed at supporting students from economically disadvantaged backgrounds will benefit 2685 secondary school students across all 20 wards in the county.
Speaking at the Kwale County Headquarters during the event, Governor Achani underscored the transformative potential of education in improving lives and driving development in the county.
βWe have prioritized students in this county because we know they are our future,β she said.
βStudents, you have the duty to work hard, considering that the county and your parents are doing their best to ensure you get a quality education.β She added.
This year, schools such as Kwale High School and Matuga Girls High School are among the top beneficiaries from the initiative receiving Ksh 20 million and Ksh 12 million respectively. These significant allocations also aim to indirectly bolster resources and enhance the learning environment for students.
Governor Achani praised parents, students, and county leaders for their cooperation in ensuring the success of the initiative, urging students to seize this golden opportunity.
βDespite economic hardships, we have managed to prioritize education because we understand its role in transforming not just individual lives but the community at large,β she said.
The Elimu Ni Sasa initiative which began under the county government of Kwale has so far supported 8,800 secondary school students.
The initiative has not only helped students but also eased the financial burdens of parents.
Biasha Omar, a single mother from Kombani expressed her heartfelt gratitude during the launch.
βThis bursary has been a lifesaver for my childβs education. From Form 1 to Form 4, I have been able to see my child progress even though I have no job or a source of income. Without this program, my childβs education would have stopped,β she said.
Similarly, Ali Lagido, a resident from Tiwi shared how the bursary has made it possible for him to educate his children.
βI cannot express how grateful I am for this initiative. It has allowed me to educate my 4 children to completion. Without this support, I would have struggled especially with the current economic challenges,β he said.
The success of the initiative is further evidenced by stories of its alumni. AbdulKadir Kwenderwa, who completed his education with the countyβs support is now a geography graduate from Egerton University.
He expressed immense satisfaction with the program, noting how it paved the way for his academic and professional journey.
βThe bursary ensured I could focus on my studies without worrying about fees. Today, I am proud to say I have completed my degree, thanks to this initiative,β AbdulKadir stated.
Governor Achani acknowledged the economic constraints faced by the county but assured residents that education would remain a top priority.
She commended Members of the County Assembly (MCAs) and other leaders for their collaborative efforts in ensuring that resources reach every corner of Kwale County.
βThis success is a result of teamwork. I applaud the MCAs and leaders for standing by me in this journey to deliver services to our people,β she said.
By empowering students with education, the county aims to produce a generation of skilled professionals who will contribute to the growth of Kwale and beyond.
