Trans Nzoia moves to streamline allocation and disbursement of bursaries to support needy learners

Trans Nzoia county is enforcing measures to streamline allocation of bursaries to ensure fair distribution to needy and deserving beneficiaries.

Governor George Natembeya said the county is keen to ensure it supports needy students to access education as a way to secure their future.

 Natembeya directed the county education department to clean up lists of beneficiaries and implement follow up mechanisms for beneficiaries.

County officials and MCAs have joined forces to streamline the Ukombozi Elimu bursary fund which is spearheaded by the governor.

 The meeting came with measures to clean up beneficiary records and improve coordination in disbursing the funds.

 Speaking during the forum, Education and Vocational Training executive Janerose Mutama said a recent verification exercise had revealed irregularities in bursary allocations.

 “We found names of students who had graduated, dropped out, or moved to other institutions but were still appearing on the bursary lists,” Mutama said.

 She said such anomalies had to be rectified.

 “This exercise helps not only in cleaning the list but ensures we trace students who may still need support,” she said.

 Mutama assured the leaders that her department would follow up on students who had dropped out to assess their circumstances and explore ways to bring them back to school.

 Chief Officer for Education, Kennedy Etiang, announced that each of the county’s 25 wards would receive Sh1.45 million under the 2025 bursary allocation, underscoring the government’s commitment to equitable education funding.

 “We are determined to ensure no student is left behind due to lack of fees. This collaboration with MCAs is a step forward in closing the gaps that have hindered smooth implementation in the past,” Etiang said.

 MCAs welcomed the partnership, promising active involvement in the remaining stages of bursary disbursement.

 Kapomboi MCA and Education Committee chair, Kefa Were, praised the joint approach, saying it would enhance accountability and fairness.

 “This partnership ensures that both the executive and legislative branches speak with one voice,” Were said. “It’s our duty to make sure every deserving child gets support without bias or delay.”

 The MCAs resolved to vet final lists of beneficiaries from each ward and accompany education officers during the delivery of bursary cheques to schools, a move expected to prevent misuse and ensure funds reach the intended students.