Uasin Gishu Governor Dr Jonathan Bii EGH on Tuesday graced the 2nd day of the roll-out of the County Bursary meant to provide educational opportunities for deserving needy students.

On Monday, the Governor launched a KSh186.5 million bursary cheque distribution exercise to support 24,949 needy students across the county.

Speaking on Tuesday during the exercise for Olare/Ainabkoi, Tarakwa, Megun and Ngeria wards, Governor Bii said education remains one of the strongest pillars of the county’s development agenda as his administration continues investing in programmes that empower young people and strengthen the future of the County.

“Through our partnership with KCB Foundation under a KSh 50 million Tujiajiri initiative, over 1,279 youths have been enrolled in Vocational Training Centres to undertake technical courses that are equipping them with practical skills and preparing them for economic opportunities,” the Governor said.

“To improve the quality of training across our institutions, we have recruited more than 65 trainers in our 13 VTCs,” he added.

Governor Wa Masomo, as he is referred to by the locals, added: “We want to bring impact in our society by empowering our children. By giving them a bursary so that they pursue their studies, as in future they will be people who will bring change in the community.”

On his part, the Deputy Governor Evans Kapkea affirmed that the County Government has achieved many development milestones in the education sector, adding that the bursaries will go a long way toward easing parents’ burden of school fees.

County Executive Committee Member for Education Eng. Lucy Ng’endo revealed that plans are underway to issue Competency-Based Education learning materials to all ECDE learning centres. She also said the ECDE classrooms are already completed and ready for commissioning.

“We are here to put smiles on the faces of needy students from the less fortunate families who have been spending sleepless nights agonising where their school fees will come from,” said Chief Officer for Education Eunice Suter

Members of the county Assembly, Hon. Gilbert Chepkonga ( Olare/Ainabkoi Ward), Hon. Thomas Yego (Tarakwa Ward), Hon Julius Sang (Megun Ward), and Richard Kering (Ngeria Ward) were present at the event.

County Secretary Philip Meli, County Executive Committee Members for Micah Rogony (Finance), Janet Kurgat (Health) and Robert Kemei (Sports), Loise Cheruiyot (Public Service Management), and Dr. Philip Chebunet (Trade), Chief officers Ambrose Tarus (Clinical Services) and Eliud Kipkorir (Finance), Ruth Samoei (Public Service Management), Chief of staff Dr. Pius Chumba, Mark Some (Environment) and Mary Kerich (Lands) were also present.

Others were directors for Education, Peter Ruto, Vocational Training (Phyllis Lagat) and Administration (Kiptanui Barno), among other county officials.