Wanga signs new Bursary and Scholarship Act, 2024

Learners in Homa Bay county have scored a major win after Governor Gladys Wanga Monday signed the County Bursary and Scholarship Act, 2024.

The Act replaces the previous Homa Bay County Education Bursary Fund Act, 2015.

According to the Chief Officer of Public Communication and Government spokesperson, Atieno Otieno, the new Act aims to enhance the management and administration of educational funds in the county.

Otieno said the Act introduces innovative scholarship programmes such as the Vocational Training Center scholarship, known as Fundi Mang’ula, and the Fins to Swim scholarship.

She said these programmes are designed to support bright and needy students at different education levels.

"To date, over 540 Form 1 students and 600 Fundi Mang’ula beneficiaries have received a total of Sh210 million in educational support," Otieno noted.

The spokesperson added that the Act further simplifies the application and approval process for bursaries and scholarships by implementing a streamlined, paperless system.

"It covers students in secondary schools, Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutions, Certificate and Diploma Colleges, and universities."

Otieno further noted that the Act upholds the principles of citizen participation by decentralising the application and appraisal process to village clusters.

"These forums will play a crucial role in decision-making regarding the allocation of educational funds, ensuring transparency and accountability in the distribution process," she said.