Governor Rotich disburses Sh73m in bursaries to 7,000 learners

Learners in Elgeyo Marakwet during disbursement of bursary cheques

More than 7,000 learners from vulnerable families in Elgeyo Marakwet have received bursaries from Governor Wisley Rotich to support their education.

Some Sh73 million was disbursed to students in secondary schools, Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, colleges and universities.

The governor said the support would ease the financial burden faced by many families and help ensure equitable access to education.

He said beneficiaries were selected through a process designed to ensure the neediest learners in the county received support to pursue education to the highest level possible.

“I am pleased that those receiving the bursaries are the most deserving cases in our county. Although the funds are inadequate, they will go a long way in easing the school fees burden that many families are struggling with,” Rotich said.

He said his administration would continue investing in the education sector, particularly Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and TVET institutions, which are directly managed by the county government.

Rotich, who is seeking a second term in next year’s elections, said his administration has made significant development gains since he took office in September 2022.

Among the initiatives is a free ECDE feeding programme, under which the county provides free early childhood education and porridge to learners.

The programme has boosted enrolment and improved the health of learners through deworming and the provision of Vitamin A supplements.

The county has also constructed 814 ECDE classrooms, offices, toilets and kitchens, as well as 18 VTCs across all 18 wards.

“We have also improved ECDE teachers’ salaries and introduced medical cover for them to motivate them and enable them to discharge their duties effectively,” he said.

According to the governor, enrolment in VTCs has increased from 1,080 to 3,800 students over the past two years.

In the healthcare sector, the county signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Moi University and AMPATH to deploy Point-of-Care Ultrasound services in all 82 health facilities.

So far, 20 model health centres have been equipped to enable bedside diagnosis of breast, lung and obstetric conditions.

Rotich also secured equipment from World Vision for level 3 and level 4 hospitals, targeting mothers and children across the county.

“We are on course to deliver on all our pledges to the people of Elgeyo Marakwet county,” he said.