Over 4,000 Baringo students to benefit from bursary

More than 4000 students in Baringo will benefit from Sh30 million bursary funds released by the county on Thursday.

The money allocated under the 2019-2020 financial year shall be distributed equally to all the 30 wards.

Speaking when he handed over the cheques at the county offices in Kabarnet town, education executive David Sergon said the money is meant for disadvantaged students.

He said the majority of students who performed well in their KCSE exams might not be able to proceed with their education for lack of school fees.

“It is due to this unfortunate situation that my department has allocated these funds,” Sergon said.

“Although the amount is too little to cater for all our needy learners we appreciate that every child has got an equal right to basic education.”

Governor Stanley Kiptis termed it as a way of improving the quality of education.

“The kitty shall benefit a total of 4,080 bright but needy students,” Kiptis said.

He said 18,500 students have so far benefited from the kitty which amounts to Sh257,329,333 since its inception under devolution in 2014.

He further lauded the MCAs for increasing the kitty to Sh42 million in the next 2021-22 financial year to boost learning for both secondary schools and tertiary colleges students.

Out of the total budget Baringo Central received Sh4.6 million targeting 494 students while a similar amount went to Baringo North to benefit 524 students.

Mogotio received Sh2.76 million for 357 students and Eldama Ravine was handed Sh5.52 million for 1,011 students.

Baringo South received Sh3.6 million to cater for 457 students and Tiaty received Sh6.4 million for 913 needy students.

Deputy Governor Jacob Chepwkony attributed the increased financial challenges among parents to the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic.

“The pandemic has seen a majority of the parents lose their sources of income hence impoverishing them, the fund will therefore lessen the stress of fee payment for their children,” Chepkwony said.

He noted increased crimes and drug abuse among the youths due to the stress of joblessness and idleness.

He said beneficiaries of the bursary funds need to be followed up to know how they are faring after completing their studies.

“Majority of the Form 4 leavers are stuck at home while those who completed colleges are jobless, something needs to be done,” Chepkwony said.

He, therefore, reiterated the need to offer free technical and vocational training to the students to acquire self-reliance skills. 

Edited by Kiilu Damaris