Kakamega: Kakamega Governor, Fernandes Barasa, on Saturday presided over the awarding of full university scholarships to the third cohort of beneficiaries under the Barasa Jamii Scholarship Programme. The scholarship programme is implemented by African Canadian Continuing Education Society (ACCES) Kenya in partnership with the county government of Kakamega.
According to Kenya News Agency, a total of 81 bright but needy students have benefited from an allocation of Sh20 million, marking the third phase of the programme since the county government partnered with ACCES Kenya. This partnership has significantly increased the number of beneficiaries, offering them financial support for university and college fees until they complete their tertiary education in various institutions across the country.
Since its inception in 2023, the Barasa Jamii Scholarship Programme has positively impacted the lives of 227 students, with a cumulative investment of Sh101.7 million. The initiative has opened doors of opportunities for young people from disadvantaged backgrounds, empowering them to pursue higher education.
Governor Barasa encouraged the scholarship recipients to make the most of this opportunity by studying diligently to transform their lives and those of their families. He emphasized the importance of self-discipline, a positive attitude, and passion in their respective fields of study. "We want to be appraised of your performance because we are joining as parents to support your education, so when your parents get your results let us also have a copy so that we track your performances," he noted.
The governor reiterated that education is a critical component of his six-point agenda aimed at supporting students to excel and transform their lives. He highlighted the establishment of Early Childhood Development Education Centres (ECDEs) in all 60 wards and the employment of ECDE teachers on Permanent and Pensionable terms.
Furthermore, Governor Barasa announced the upcoming distribution of county bursary funds worth Sh180 million to schools, with each ward receiving Sh3 million. He assured that the county government would offer the scholarship beneficiaries slots for industrial attachment and mentorship programs, urging them to excel in their endeavors.