GOVERNOR BARASA LAUNCHES KSH. 149 MILLION BURSARY PROGRAMME TO BENEFIT OVER 35,000 LEARNERS.

H.E. Governor FCPA Dr. Fernandes Barasa today officially launched the disbursement of KSh. 149,330,500 in bursaries to support more than 35,000 vulnerable learners across Kakamega County during an event held at Bukhungu Stadium.

Speaking during the launch, Governor Barasa said the programme is aimed at ensuring needy students remain in school despite the economic challenges facing many families. He noted that education remains a key priority of his administration.

The Governor explained that county governments resumed bursary programmes after successfully challenging the suspension of bursary disbursements in court through the Council of Governors. He said counties later signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the National Government, allowing the programme to continue legally.

Governor Barasa said the bursaries will help reduce the financial burden on vulnerable households and improve access to education for learners across the county.

He further noted that the latest allocation comes after an earlier KSh. 30 million bursary disbursement issued in November last year. In addition, the County Government released KSh. 56 million for capitation in county polytechnics, benefiting about 16,000 trainees. The Governor announced that another KSh. 24 million will be released before the end of the financial year to fully support the polytechnic capitation programme.

Governor Barasa also said his administration will continue strengthening ECDE and vocational training programmes through investment in classrooms, learning facilities and support for trainees in county polytechnics.

The event was attended by MCAs led by Majority Leader Hon. Philip Maina, Education CECM Dr. Benard Amwayi, education stakeholders and other county officials