Governor Kang’ata hands over school fee support for 50,000 students

Governor Irungu Kang’ata led the handing over of cheques to parents at Ihura Stadium, Murang’a, in a ceremony attended by county leaders and other stakeholders.

The county has allocated Sh230 million this financial year to support learners across the county.

Beneficiaries include students in day secondary schools, top performers in public primary schools, orphans, learners with disabilities, and those enrolled in county programmes such as Inua Masomo, Ward Bursaries, and the Kenya Junior School Education Assessment (KJSEA) initiative.

"One principle that underlies our bursaries is fairness. To qualify, you need to perform well. That is all. You do not need to know anyone," Governor Kang’ata said.

Through the Inua Masomo programme, the county fully pays school fees for the top 30 students in all day secondary schools.

The bursaries, aimed at rewarding merit and ending favouritism, target the top 10 students in each class based on end-of-year results. Each student receives Sh11,000 per year, disbursed in termly instalments.

Top performers in public primary schools under the KJSEA initiative also benefit, each receiving Sh10,000 in school fee support. Orphans and learners with disabilities are covered under targeted bursaries to ensure no child is left behind.

Ward Bursaries have been allocated Sh3 million per ward to support needy students. Beneficiaries are identified by ward-level committees, in collaboration with churches and community leaders.

Murang’a County has also invested in early childhood and youth development. Over 500 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) classrooms have been constructed and refurbished, while more than 40,000 children receive free, nutritious uji daily.

Through the Murang’a Youth Service Programme, 6,000 young people are undergoing vocational training to acquire practical skills that prepare them for employment and entrepreneurship.