We’re Managing Succession, Lusaka Says While Launching Scholarship Program

By Isabella Maua

Bungoma Governor Kenneth Lusaka has on Saturday launched the bursaries and scholarships program for the year 2024 at St. Lukes Boy High School, Kimilili.

The program has seen over 500 needy but bright students get county scholarships, which will enable them to sail smoothly through their secondary school education for the next four years.

Speaking to the parents and students, Lusaka emphasized the need for parents to support their children’s education since they are the future leaders and he is only interested in managing succession.

He also strongly condemned the alarming rate of teenage pregnancies, which has for long tarnished the name of Bungoma County, calling out negligent parents to be vigilant on their children, especially the ‘girl child’ who is adversely affected in such situations.

“We have allocated 140 million shillings for scholarships and 180 million for bursaries to cater for those students who might not be very bright but are also needy,” noted Lusaka.

Deputy Governor Janepher Mbatiany, on the other hand, challenged parents to strive and take responsibility without solely relying on the government to fully take the burden away from them.

“I also take this opportunity to applaud our schools for the outstanding performance they posted in the 2023 KCSE and urge all stakeholders to step up as required so that we can witness another victory this year,” said Mbatiany.

Kimilili Member of National Assembly Didimus Barasa criticized chiefs and local administrators for taking too long to bring to book the perpetrators of teenage pregnancies in the region, pointing out that it has played a big role in bringing down the performance of many girls.

“Perpetrators are among us, and we know them. Let’s cooperate to end this teen pregnancy menace so that our girls shine in their education. For those who have missed these scholarship slots, I’ll support them,” reiterated Barasa.

Education CEC David Wanyonyi reported that 540 needy students have benefited from the 250 million shillings program across all 45 wards in the county.

“Besides this, we have set 180 million shillings to be allocated to each ward to cater for bursaries; all these amount to 4 million shillings each,” he revealed.

Education Chief Officer Nicholas Kiboi, in his speech, lauded the work done by MCAs regarding the disbursement of bursaries and encouraged the students to concentrate on their education since it’s the only equalizer.

“We’re grateful to our MCAs since they have shown us great support in pushing forward the education sector by utilizing the set allocations appropriately,” noted Kiboi.

The Bungoma County boss conclusively urged school principals not to send away the scholarship beneficiaries, citing delays in disbursement.

Gracing the occasion were area MCAs, education stakeholders among other local leaders.