Kwale: Achani disburses Sh95.6m bursaries to national school students

Kwale County Governor Fatuma Achani on Tuesday (December 31, 2024) issued bursary cheques worth Sh95,605,722 million to 2,700 secondary school students from various wards in the county.

The funds, which are intended to support students enrolled in national schools, were handed over during a ceremony at the county headquarters in Kwale town.

The programme is part of the county’s ongoing effort to ensure that more students have access to quality education, despite financial constraints that may hinder their academic progress.

Governor Achani urged the beneficiaries to take full advantage of the scholarship, emphasizing the importance of education in shaping their futures.

“I want to urge the beneficiaries to work hard in school to better their future. The county’s efforts will reflect in your results,” said Ms Achani.

She expressed her belief that education was a key tool for personal and community development, adding that the bursary was a step towards ensuring that all students in Kwale have equal opportunities, regardless of their financial backgrounds.

The bursaries, which target students in national schools, are distributed in phases, with those in national schools given the priority and later those in county schools.

Ms Achani assured the students who had not received bursaries yet, especially those in county schools, that they would also benefit from the programme.

“Today, we are issuing bursaries to national school students. Later, we will distribute to those in county schools. We have a challenge with funds, but I want to assure you that all students will receive their bursary,” she said.

The governor’s remarks come after a growing concern among parents and students who have expressed anxiety about delays in receiving their bursaries. Achani’s statement was meant to assure the residents that the county was committed to supporting education, despite the financial challenges.

Governor Achani also took the opportunity to address political tensions surrounding the bursary programme.

She said some of her political rivals have been critical of the programme, accusing her of mismanaging the funds.

In response, the governor urged politicians to stop politicising the Elimu ni Sasa programme, which is aimed at providing financial support to students.

She revealed that she had been summoned multiple times by the Senate to answer questions regarding the programme.

Despite the challenges, Ms Achani vowed to continue working for the benefit of the people of Kwale.

“After today, you will still find people posting on social media about students who have not received bursaries, just to spite me. Please, stop politicizing everything. We have individuals who do not want us to progress,” she said.

The governor also took the opportunity to thank Kwale Senator Issa Boi for his unwavering support of the Elimu ni Sasa programme.

She credited him for standing firm when there were calls in the Senate to remove the initiative.

“I want to thank Issa Boi, who stood firm when the Senate wanted the Elimu ni Sasa program removed. Let’s work together for the betterment of Kwale. Unfortunately, there are a few elements who want to destroy the good relationship I have with the county leaders,” she added.

Kwale economic advisor Anthony Yama assured parents that no child has been removed from the bursary programme.

Ms Judy Kengo--nominated MCA and also assistant chair of the education board in the county--said any student who scores below C plus will be removed from the bursary programme.

"We have students who get good grades in primary but drop immediately they join high-school.Such students will be removed from the program and those in county schools who post good results will be offered full scholarship," Ms Kengo said.

Kwale County Woman Representative Fatuma Masito applauded the programme saying most students in Kwale county in the past used to drop out of school due to financial constraints.

"Students used to drop out if school or let go of their chance to join national schools because their parents could not afford the school fees.This program has given hope to many students in the county," Ms Masito said.

Matuga MP Kassim Tandaza said the programme ensures that students from humble background are not sent home frequently due to school fees.

The Elimu ni Sasa programme has been a key part of Ms Achani’s agenda to enhance access to education for students in Kwale.

However, the programme has also been a source of political contention, with some leaders and residents questioning its effectiveness and transparency.

In addition to addressing the bursary programme, Governor Achani also used the occasion to urge parents to take better care of their children, particularly in preventing them from joining criminal gangs.

She noted that the rise in criminal activities among the youths was a growing concern in Kwale County.

She appealed to parents to be more vigilant in looking after their children and ensuring they were not influenced by negative elements in society.

“I urge parents to take good care of their children. We must work together to keep them away from criminal gangs. Education is the best way to secure their future, and it is our responsibility to guide them towards better choices,” she said.

Kwale County has seen a number of young people joining criminal gangs, and local leaders have expressed concern about the negative impact this could have on the future of the community.