West pokot: West Pokot has launched a historic Sh500 million bursary fund to support 52,800 learners for the 2025 academic year across the county. The event, held at Chesta Girls High School in Pokot Central sub-county, was well attended by the relevant stakeholders, highlighting the county’s strong backing for education initiatives.
According to Kenya News Agency, Governor Simon Kachapin reaffirmed his government’s commitment to education, describing it as the most powerful weapon against poverty and illiteracy, as well as a key driver of community development. Kachapin emphasized the county’s commitment to the education sector, saying the investment goes beyond just building schools. “We are investing in the future of our children,” he said.
The governor also highlighted other ongoing efforts like the distribution of 10,000 bags of porridge flour under the ECDE feeding programmes to keep young learners in school. He said the Sh500 million bursary will support students across secondary schools, universities, TVETs, KMTCs, and other colleges. “The allocation includes Sh15,000 for each boarding secondary student and Sh5,000 for day students and tertiary learners,” he said.
Kachapin assured that the process will be transparent and merit-based, ensuring all qualified students benefit regardless of their background, with the overarching goal of retaining students, improving academic performance, and motivating learners to be in school. He also acknowledged parents’ sacrifices and pledged ongoing support for their children’s success.
In his remarks, West Pokot Deputy Governor Robert Komolle reflected on past doubts about bursary availability, praising the governor for tirelessly engaging with the president, Ministry of Education officials, and the Controller of Budget at the national government to address bursary shortages. He hailed the governor’s persistent efforts to ensure learners get bursaries, adding that “the community is now smiling because the bursary programme has become a reality.”
The County Executive for Education, Rebecca Kide, shared that the community’s relief was evident in parents’ smiles, especially after fears of children being sent home due to unpaid fees have been addressed. She revealed that the number of bursary beneficiaries increased, allowing more learners to continue with their education. Kide praised head teachers for their good performance, which has contributed to improved exam results. She emphasized that West Pokot now leads the country in bursary disbursements, with no issues of bouncing cheques or other cases of mismanagement.
The County Director of Education, Simon Wamae, noted that since 2023, student enrolment in the region had increased by 55 per cent, courtesy of bursary support. He stressed that bursaries are disbursed fairly and non-discriminatorily, ensuring equal opportunities for all learners. Wamae highlighted that at least 40 per cent of bursary funds are allocated to infrastructural improvements, resulting in better learning environments. He proudly recalled that last year, West Pokot was ranked as the best in Rift Valley during the national exams with a mean score of 5.7, up from 4.1 when he first arrived in the county.
Representing the national government, Assistant County Commissioner for Kapenguria Division Emily Ogola stressed education’s role as a catalyst for social transformation and equality. She expressed her gratitude for the bursary allocation, noting that it would significantly transform the lives of learners and contribute to increased school enrolment and retention. Ogola called for the complete eradication of retrogressive practices like FGM and early marriage, emphasizing equal opportunities for girls.
The ACC also clarified that programmes like the ongoing recruitment for Kazi Mtaani jobs remained free and that no youth should be exploited for bribes. She further sensitised the community on the ongoing government health initiatives like the mass vaccination exercise against Measles, Rubella, and Typhoid, urging full participation by the people.
The record bursary allocation for West Pokot has renewed a sense of hope and purpose among the residents, reminding everyone that education remains the most valuable investment for societal progress.