Kitui Governor Dr. Julius Malombe has launched a Sh72 million bursary kitty for this financial year (2024/2025) to support learners from financially disadvantaged families.
The bursary funds are set to benefit at least 9,433 needy students through the county government’s fee aid programme dubbed the ‘Pro-Poor Fee Support’ programme.
Speaking during the launch, Governor Malombe noted that the programme is part of his government’s commitment to improving education access and standards across the county.
The programme covers all levels of education, including universities, tertiary institutions, vocational training centres (VTCs), technical colleges, secondary schools, and also institutions for learners with special needs.
A breakdown of the disbursement shows county vocational training centres (VTCs) were allocated Sh21.6 million, making 30 per cent, while national government Technical and Vocational Centres (Polytechnics) received Sh7.2 million, or 10 per cent, and five per cent (Sh3.6 million) was set aside for Special Needs Education institutions.
Secondary schools received 30 per cent, or Sh21.6 million, while universities were allocated 15 per cent of the share, that is, Sh10.8 million.
Tertiary institutions, including KMTC and KEWI, got 10 per cent, equivalent to Sh 7.2 million.
Speaking when he handed over cheques to various institutions for respective needy students at a ceremony held at the County headquarters office in Kitui town, Governor Malombe observed that in order to promote equality, the disbursed bursary funds were shared equally among all the 40 wards, with each getting an allocation of Sh1.8 million.
“Education is a fundamental human right and a key tool in the fight against poverty, promoting gender equality, and fostering peace within our local communities,” the governor stated while reaffirming his administration’s dedication to making education accessible for all.
Dr. Malombe described the Pro Poor Fee Support’ Programme initiative as a deliberate effort to prioritise education in Kitui County, highlighting his government’s partnership with the national government to raise educational standards.
He further encouraged youth to enrol in vocational training centres, stressing the importance of acquiring market-relevant skills for employment and self-reliance.
“Investing in education is not just about funding; it’s about building future leaders, innovators, and thinkers,” he said.
The Governor also outlined his county administration’s commitment to improving educational infrastructure to create a conducive learning environment.
The Pro Poor Fees Support Programme is expected to significantly impact the lives of beneficiaries while also bridging the gap in access to quality education in the region.
Malombe noted that it is important that public funds be fully accounted for once disbursed to the target learning institutions.
In dispensing of the pro-poor funds, Malombe commented that his officers were charged with the responsibility for conducting due diligence in the whole process, from beneficiary identification to documentation.
“We have a duty to ensure every coin goes to the intended beneficiary. Upon completion of the issuance of cheques, Ward Administrators and the Village Administrators are required to display the names and amounts allocated to the beneficiaries in appropriate open spaces that are accessible to members of the public at local administrators’ office notice boards, churches, market centres, etc., for scrutiny by the public,” the governor said.
He further observed that it is expected that upon receipt of the Pro-poor Support cheques, all beneficiary institutions shall also write to the County Education Chief Officer acknowledging receipt of the bursary funds.
By Denson Mututo