Written by Niva Kimtai
Governor Susan Kihika presided over the launch of the first tranche of the Nakuru County Bursary Fund for the 2025/2026 financial year, releasing Sh 284,490,397 to support learners across the county.
The event was held at Kiamaina Secondary School in Kiamaina Ward, Bahati Sub-county. A total of 57,231 students drawn from secondary schools, universities, colleges, vocational training centres, and special schools benefited.
A breakdown of the disbursement reflects the county’s commitment to equitable access to education across all sub-counties. Naivasha Sub-County received the highest allocation of Sh 43,142,250, benefiting 8,300 students, followed by Nakuru Town West with Sh 36,586,168 supporting 4,747 learners, and Njoro with Sh 31,527,531 benefiting 6,703 students.
Nakuru Town East received Sh 27,195,500, benefiting 5,582 students, while Rongai was allocated Sh 25,740,385 for 4,841 beneficiaries. Bahati Sub-County received Sh 25,608,820, supporting 5,885 learners, with Gilgil benefiting from Sh 23,863,613, reaching 4,883 students.
In Kuresoi South, Sh 19,452,015 was disbursed to 4,092 beneficiaries, while Molo received Sh 19,971,500 supporting 4,908 learners. Kuresoi North benefited from Sh 18,741,865, reaching 4,332 students, and Subukia received Sh 12,650,750, supporting 2,958 learners.
Governor Kihika noted that the county has allocated a total of Sh 447 million to the bursary fund this year to enhance access to education for needy students, adding that applications for the second tranche have officially opened.
To further strengthen retention and completion rates for needy students in the county, the Governor revealed that 69 learners have been placed on full scholarships at various levels of education. She emphasised the county’s continued support for vocational training centres and learners with special needs.
On early childhood education, Governor Kihika highlighted the ongoing implementation of the Lishe na Mama Programme, which provides porridge to learners in all public ECDE centres. Plans are also underway to supply uniforms and learning materials, construct new ECDE centres, and employ more teachers.
She added that the county continues to sustain a capitation of Sh 30,000 per learner in vocational training centres, a move that has boosted enrolment to 6,850 learners.
The Governor further outlined ongoing development projects in Kiamaina Ward, including agriculture, water, markets, health, roads, and education, reaffirming her administration’s commitment to improving the education sector.
Later, the Governor presided over the disbursement of bursary cheques for Nakuru Town East Sub-County at Natewa Secondary School in Menengai East Ward, where Sh 27,195,500 benefited 5,582 students in universities, colleges, secondary schools, and special schools.
The timely disbursement comes as schools reopen, easing the financial burden on parents during the second term.
Among the beneficiaries is Peterson, who completed Form Four in 2016 but was unable to join college due to financial challenges following the loss of his mother. Through the support of the county government, he is now pursuing an electrical engineering course at Nakuru Vocational Training Centre in Bondeni, with his tuition and lunch fees fully covered through the bursary programme.
Peterson encouraged fellow youth to enrol in county vocational training institutions to acquire practical skills that can transform their lives.
The event was attended by Education CECM Hon. Zippy Wambui, Deputy CS Newton Mwaura, Education Chief Officer Martin Kagai, Disaster Chief Officer Joyce Ncece, Members of the County Assembly led by Education Committee Chair Peter Njoroge, representatives from the County Director of Education’s office, teacher union officials, and parents.