48,000 learners benefit from Sh129m bursary programme in Kirinyaga

Governor Anne Waiguru speakings during issuance of Sh129.5 million bursaries to support 48,000 students across Kirinyaga county, May 6 /SCREENGRAB

Governor Anne Waiguru has outlined a wide-ranging education support programme in Kirinyaga county, saying the devolved unit has issued bursaries worth Sh129.5 million to support 48,000 students across the county.

Waiguru said the latest disbursement is part of efforts by her administration to ensure no learner drops out of school due to lack of fees.

According to the governor, the latest allocation pushes the county’s cumulative bursary disbursement since 2017 to Sh670.2 million.

The county administrator said the programme targets vulnerable learners and seeks to improve access to education by easing the financial burden on families.

Beyond bursaries, Waiguru highlighted a series of interventions rolled out by the county government to strengthen early childhood education and vocational training institutions.

The governor said Kirinyaga county distributed 62,127 textbooks, 20,709 pencils, 404 curriculum designs and 202 packets of chalk to support 14,142 ECDE learners across the county.

The county also supplied learning furniture to ECDE centres, including 605 learners’ chairs, 90 tables, nine teachers’ chairs and seven storage units aimed at improving the learning environment.

As part of infrastructure expansion, Waiguru said the county constructed new ECDE classrooms in Kiriko, Nyamindi, Mukou and Ng’ang’a to increase access to early learning facilities.

The county government further issued more than 14,000 ECDE uniforms in a move aimed at boosting enrolment and supporting children from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Waiguru said her administration has also continued recruiting, training and supporting ECDE teachers to enhance the quality of learning in county centres.

The governor noted that teachers have undergone capacity-building programmes aligned with the Competency-Based Curriculum to strengthen implementation of the education system.

Kirinyaga county has also started rolling out digital learning in ECDE centres, with teachers already trained on integrating technology into classroom instruction.

In the technical training sector, Waiguru said the county has undertaken revitalisation of Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions, a move she said has contributed to increased enrolment.

The governor said the initiatives are part of broader efforts by the county government to improve access to quality education and equip learners with skills needed for future opportunities.