The Kenyan government, jointly with World Bank have sponsored 232 students from poor families under Elimu scholarship programme for four years to enhance their education.
Kisii Branch Equity manager, Robinson Mirieri said the World Bank has channeled the funds through the bank, adding a Committee, composed by the bank vetted the beneficiaries from Marani and Nyamache sub Counties.
He said 141 students were selected from Nyamache sub county and 91 from Marani Sub county , adding the committee selected 128 girls and 104 boys from both counties to comply with the government’s directive.
Speaking during the flagging off of the students at Kisii boys national school, the manager said the scholarship is full and urged to guide and counsel the children to avoid drug abuse and immoral activities.
Mirieri, accompanied by Bobasi Member of Parliament, Innocent Obiri, Assistant County Commissioners one ; Thomas Bett, Nyamache, Fred Sungu, Marani and Kisii County Trade Executive Committee Member, Edna Kangwana said the bank and stakeholders will monitor the performance of the students and address their challenges.
“The government and the parents have signed a contract to ensure each plays its role for the students to complete their education and contribute to the country’s economic development” Mirieri said.
Obiri lauded the World Bank and the government for the scholarships and challenged the beneficiaries to work hard and excel in their education to reciprocate the gesture.
The Lawmaker noted the scholarships had eased pressure on the National government constituency’s bursary fund, which, he noted was inadequate top carter for the increasing number of students from poor families.
“ The scholarships has boosted poverty in the constituency and alleviated poverty in poor families. Once the beneficiaries complete their education and qualify, they will contribute to the country’s development” Obiri said.
Bett, Sungu and Kangwana challenged parents to protect the girl child against early pregnancies, saying they will disorient their education, ruin their lives and waste the scholarships.
The two commissioners said they have concerted effort with chiefs and security officers to fight cases of defilement, rape and illicit brew, which contributed to unwanted pregnancies, school drop outs and early marriages.
