- The governor noted that though the mandate of county governments revolves around ECDE and vocational training, his administration had gone the extra mile to support higher institutions of learning due to higher levels of poverty and thirst for education. His administration, he said was equally committed to improving the ECDE Sub sector and vocational training construction of ECDE classrooms, confirmation of teachers on contract, provision of teaching and learning materials, provision of feeding program to the ECDE sub-sector, equipping of VCTs, employment of youth polytechnic instructors, provision of timely funding of capitation in VTCs, provision of startup kits to VTC graduates and collaboration with relevant stakeholders for the establishment of a university among many more others
By Governors Press Unit
www.theweeklyvisionews.net
Slightly over 7,000 students from public schools in Trans Nzoia County have benefited from a subsidized scholarship Programme, this is after governor George Natembeya unveiled a Ksh. 120 Million Elimu Bursary Scheme aimed at improving the quality of education and accessing needy families through the programme.
‘’ This will go a long way in ensuring that students from poor families get opportunities to access education at various levels of secondary, vocational, tertiary and university colleges’’, said the county boss. The governor spoke at the Agricultural Society of Kenya grounds in Kitale.
The governor noted that though the mandate of county governments revolves around ECDE and vocational training, his administration had gone the extra mile to support higher institutions of learning due to higher levels of poverty and thirst for education. His administration, he said was equally committed to improving the ECDE Sub sector and vocational training construction of ECDE classrooms, confirmation of teachers on contract, provision of teaching and learning materials, provision of feeding program to the ECDE sub-sector, equipping of VCTs, employment of youth polytechnic instructors, provision of timely funding of capitation in VTCs, provision of startup kits to VTC graduates and collaboration with relevant stakeholders for the establishment of a university among many more others.
Governor Natembeya noted that the Elimu Bursary Scheme was just one among the programs that were envisaged in his 100 days Rapid Result Initiative Drive launched in the past 52 days. The County boss further underscored his commitment to seeing to it that no single learner remains at home while others are in school.
He pledged to prioritize compliance with other initiatives outlined in the Rapid Results Initiative Strategic Plan in the remaining days. The allocation which is the highest since the advent of devolution in 2013 will, according to governor Natembeya be further increased during the next financial year to cater for the increasing number of needy cases in the devolved unit. ‘’ We shall also ensure that the Form Ones who have received their bursary this year will be supported up to form four without being subjected to further vetting’’, he said.
County Women Representative Lilian Siyoyi who was present lauded the governor for his tireless efforts saying she was ready to partner with the county government to ensure deserving cases achieved their potential. ‘’ Election campaigns are long gone. Governor, we walked on different political paths but now are ready and willing to offer you all the support to make this dream come true’’, she said.
Ward representatives who spoke during the function said the issuance of the bursary to needy children was a milestone of development never seen in the devolved unit since the inception of the devolution in 2013.
“This is like a vision, a trance, a video being played in the open before a people thirsty for education. We applaud your Excellency “, said Kapomboi Ward representative Kefa Were. His sentiments were echoed by Budget Committee Chairman Andrew Kutitila,
Keyo Ward representative Kennedy Mugushu, Tabitha Waruguru ( nominated), and Boniface Cheloti ( Saboti) Waitaluk Ward representative Lusweti Furaha who is also KUPPET Executive Secretary lauded the governor for the recognition of teachers by appointing several of them in his cabinet.
The function was attended by Deputy Governor Dr Philomena Kapkory, County Secretary Truphosa Amere, County Director of Education Pamela Aketch, County Executive Committee Members (CECs), County security team, Chief Officers, and Members of the County Assembly. The Chief Principals in the County Secondary schools led by St Joseph’s Boys National School attended the function and collected cheques worth hundreds of millions to benefit the more than 7, 000 learners. KUPPET, KEPSHA and KNUT officials and the clergy were in attendance.
