Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika on Friday April 24, 2026 launched the first tranche of bursary fund 2025/2026
The events were held at Kiamaina Primary School and Natewa school for Bahati and Nakuru East Subcounties
“It is both an honour and a privilege to join you today for the official launch of the first tranche of the Nakuru County Bursary Fund for the 2025/2026 Financial Year,” stated Kihika.
Speaking during the event at Kiamaina, Governor Kihika termed this a milestone that reflects her unwavering commitment to expanding access to education and ensuring that no child in Nakuru County is left behind due to financial constraints.
She lauded the Members of the County Assembly for their steadfast support and vital role in making this initiative a reality.
Kihika also commended the dedicated teams who worked tirelessly to process and vet thousands of bursary applications, as well as the schools and institutions that have partnered patiently throughout this process.
“Todays event goes beyond a ceremonial launch. It represents hope, opportunity, and a shared belief that every childregardless of their backgrounddeserves a chance to learn, grow, and succeed. Through this programme, we reaffirm our resolve to invest in the future of our county by supporting those who might otherwise be denied an education due to financial hardship,” she said.
According to Kihika, cross all levels of learning, one truth remains constant: it is our collective responsibility to ensure that every learner stays in school and receives quality education.
Just as a seed requires nurturing to grow into a strong plant, Kihika pointed out that students need consistent support to realise their potential.
“We must not allow bright, promising minds to fade away due to lack of opportunity. Through the bursary programme, we aim to: Improve access, retention, completion, and transition rates across all education levels Mitigate the effects of poverty and other barriers to education, Support learners with special needs and prepare them for self-reliance, Promote vocational training and youth empowerment, including skills such as driving, to enhance self-employment opportunities,” she said.
For the 2025/2026 Financial Year, the County Government of Nakuru has allocated Kshs 447 million to the bursary fund- an increase from Kshs 440 million in the previous year, and a significant rise from Kshs 177.8 million during Kihika’s first year in office.
Governor Kihika revealed that this steady growth demonstrates her deepening commitment to education as a cornerstone of development.
The beneficiaries span all levels of education, including universities, colleges, vocational training centres, secondary schools, and special institutions.
This year Kihika’s administration has also awarded full scholarships to a total of 69 students at various levels of education as follows: Bahati 12 scholarships, Gilgil 4 scholarships, Kuresoi North 4 scholarships, Kuresoi South 3 scholarships, Naivasha 13 scholarships, Nakuru Town East 4 scholarships, Nakuru Town West 5 scholarships, Njoro 6 scholarships, Rongai 10 scholarships, and Subukia 8 scholarships.
“Beyond bursaries, we remain committed to supporting learners with special needs. These young individuals require additional resources and tailored support, and we are determined to equip them with the tools necessary for independence and dignity,” she said.
Kihika used the moment to call upon individuals, institutions, and development partners to join hands in advancing this important cause.
In fulfilling mandate in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) and Vocational Training, Kihika’s administration has made significant strides over the past year.
The County Government has supplied instructional materials and curriculum resources worth Kshs 17 million and employed 192 ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, and in the process of confirming 306 others.
In addition, there is the continuous training of over 3,000 teachers annually on the Competency-Based Curriculum.
“In vocational training, our progress has been equally encouraging: disbursed over Kshs 480 million in capitation grants to trainees, Provided tools and equipment worth Kshs 67 million to over 30 training centres, Constructed new facilities, including training rooms, workshops, and dormitories, at a cost exceeding Kshs 120 million, Expanded the number of operational vocational training centres from 33 to 43, Increased enrolment from 2,000 to 6,850 trainees, Graduated over 4,000 students in 2024, with over 3,000 expected to graduate in November 2026, Recruited 57 instructors and initiated the hiring of 66 more,” stated Kihika.
The County Government has also Integrated digital learning and modernised training programmes, Strengthened co-curricular participation up to national level, Partnered with international organisations to align courses with market demand.
These achievements, Kihika was categorical that it reflects a deliberate effort to build a skilled, empowered, and self-reliant generation.
While noting that education remains the most powerful tool to transform lives and shape the future of the county, Kihika called for continued collaboration.
“Let us continue working together to ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, thrive, and achieve their dreams,” she stated.