Kiambu: Thousands of needy students in Kiambu County are set to start the new school term with financial relief after Governor Kimani Wamatangi officially launched the distribution of bursary cheques across the county.
According to Kenya News Agency, the exercise, conducted over the weekend in Ndeiya Ward ahead of today's school reopening, provided thousands of students with financial support of KSh 5,000 for day scholars and KSh 10,000 for boarders in secondary schools. This initiative is part of a revamped county program aimed at ensuring no child is left behind in accessing education.
The initiative is part of Governor Wamatangi's ambitious education support program, which has increased the county's bursary allocation from Ksh 500 million to Ksh 750 million for the 2025/2026 financial year.
Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Wamatangi reiterated his administration's commitment to promote the education of the less privileged members of the society and the general development of the education sector. 'By expanding the bursary fund, my administration aims to increase the number of beneficiaries and enhance the amount allocated to each student. This substantial increment underscores our commitment to making education accessible to all children in Kiambu County,' said Governor Wamatangi, noting that the expanded allocation would ensure students across all 60 wards benefit from the program.
The governor also commended Chief Officer for Education, Gender, Culture and Social Services, Emily Nkoroi, for her dedication in strengthening the department. Unlike previous arrangements where students received one-off support, the enhanced bursary program is structured to provide assistance multiple times throughout the academic year, ensuring sustained support for students.
'I urge members of the bursary committee to maintain transparency and efficiency in the distribution process. As Kiambu County leadership, we are committed to ensuring that the bursaries reach genuine beneficiaries,' added Deputy Governor Rosemary Kirika.
Parents like Mary Wanjiku from Limuru welcomed the initiative. Her daughter received a Shs.h8,000 bursary. 'This support has come at the right time when we were struggling to raise school fees. My daughter can now continue her education without interruption,' she said.
The distribution exercise is being conducted across all 60 wards, with local administrators working closely with ward education committees to identify deserving beneficiaries. Strict measures have been put in place to ensure transparency and prevent favoritism.
The increased funding is expected to benefit over 38,000 students, enabling them to pursue their academic dreams without financial constraints. The timing of the bursary distribution, just before schools reopen, reflects the county's proactive approach in addressing educational challenges, ensuring students report to school on time and focus on their studies.