Governor Wisley Rotich has expanded the Elgeyo Marakwet county overseas education programmes to help more students get study opportunities abroad.
Rotich has negotiated for easier terms in payments of fees and other conditions to help more students fly abroad for study opportunities in countries like the USA, Canada and Australia.
Rotich made the revelations while seeing off 22 students at his office who are among more than 100 expected to fly to study at universities Canada and the US.
Hr said he had negotiated with colleges for subsidised fees. He said requirement for financial statements had locked out many students who wanted to fly abroad for studies.
"I have managed to make it easier for our students to go for studies abroad. One key element that also denied me this opportunity was demand for sound financial statements. Some parents don't even have a bank account," he said.
He urged the students to exercise caution while in their new environment, warning them not to be carried away by the new lifestyles they will encounter.
“As students abroad you have to be good ambassadors of Kenya and Elgeyo Marakwet while out there. Ensure you observe high discipline and focus on studies and positive development of your lives,” Rotich said.
The move by Governor Rotich was welcomed by residents who termed the process transparent and accommodative.
Stephen Kiplal, whose wife is among the beneficiaries, said he was happy that the process was smooth with no obstacles.
"When I heard about the programme, I said to my wife why don't you try? She did so and she was picked. I would like to thank the governor for giving us such an opportunity," Kiplal said.
Alfred Koech, an Australia-based athlete and coach, said the process taken by the governor was exemplary.
"Elgeyo Marakwet got it right by talking directly to the universities. The governor got it right," he said. The cost of the programme is about Sh600,000 per a semester depending on the courses applied for and the college.
Similar overseas education programmes in neighbouring Uasin GIshu county have been paralysed by scandals following loss of money paid by parents for their children to get study opportunities in Finland and Canada.
