Nakuru County launches 2nd Tranche of bursary worth Kshs 287.8 million

In a speech read by Nakuru County CECM for Education Zippy Wambui during the launch of distribution of the second tranche of the Nakuru County Bursary Fund for the Financial Year 2024/2025, amounting to Kshs 287,772,781, Governor Kihika reiterated her commitment to supporting access to education for children and youth across Nakuru County.

She lauded the members of the County Assembly for their unwavering support and key role in this initiative.

Kihika also extended heartfelt appreciation to the dedicated team that worked diligently to process and vet the thousands of bursary applications, and to the schools and institutions that patiently partnered  throughout the process.

“Today’s event is more than just a ceremonial launch. It is a testament to our shared belief that every child—regardless of their background—deserves the opportunity to learn, grow, and build a better future. We are here to give hope to the hopeless and to affirm our collective resolve to invest in the next generation, especially those who might otherwise be left behind due to financial constraints,” she stated.

According to Kihika, across all levels of education, one unifying factor remains collective responsibility to ensure that every learner stays in school and receives a quality education.

Just like a seed that must be watered to grow into a healthy plant, Kihika was categorical that students need sustained support to thrive.

“Let us not allow these young minds—full of promise—to wither away for lack of opportunity. We must not let the grain of wheat fall on barren ground,” she said.

In particular, the County awards bursaries to:

• Improve access, retention, completion, and transition rates across all levels of education in our county

• Mitigate the adverse effects of poverty and other barriers to education

• Support children with special needs to prepare them for self-reliance

• Support youth training and vocational programs, including driving, to increase chances of self-employment.

It should be noted that Nakuru County Government allocated a total of Kshs 440 million to the County Bursary Fund for the just-ended Financial Year 2024/25.

This is an increase from the Kshs 342 million allocated in the previous financial year.

During her first year in office, Governor Kihika’s administration set aside Kshs 177.8 million for bursaries.

Of the Kshs 440 million allocated, already distributed the first tranche of Kshs 165 million earlier this year.

Monday July 21 marked the beginning of the issuance of cheques to 49,865 beneficiaries of the second tranche of County Bursaries, amounting to Kshs 287,772,781 across Nakuru County.

The beneficiaries come from various levels of education—including universities, colleges, vocational training centres, secondary schools, and special schools.

This number speaks to the scale and significance of Governor Kihika’s investment in education. The beneficiaries, in terms of levels of education, are as follows:

Allocations in terms of sub counties across Nakuru County are as follows:

In Nakuru Town East in the second tranche of bursaries, a total of 5,011 students have been awarded bursaries amounting to Kshs 36,041,132, distributed across wards as follows:

• Biashara — 1,119 students — Kshs 8,533,606

• Flamingo — 731 students — Kshs 4,622,580

• Kivumbini — 1,023 students — Kshs 7,980,364

• Menengai — 1,136 students — Kshs 7,516,562

• Nakuru East — 1,002 students — Kshs 5,977,920

For Nakuru Town West Sub-County, a total of 4,643 students at various levels of education benefited from the second tranche of bursaries, amounting to Kshs 38,486,460, distributed across wards as follows:

• Barut — 1,031 students — Kshs 7,148,000

• Kapkures — 313 students — Kshs 3,181

• Kaptembwo — 860 students — Kshs 7,325,390

• London — 938 students — Kshs 7,649,200

• Rhonda — 648 students — Kshs 5,259,070

• Shaabab — 852 students — Kshs 7,923,800

she mentioned a group of eight students whom she placed on scholarship program when she took office.

“I have walked with them through their secondary school journey and can attest that their academic performance has been exemplary. They are sitting for their KCSE exams this year,” she stated.

• Margaret Wangari Ngaruiya – AIC Morop Girls High School (Visoi Ward)

• Victor Kipyegon – Koelel Forces Academy (Gilgil Ward)

• Rael Misiko Mukhwana – Larmudiac High School (Nakuru East Ward)

• Monicah Wairimu John – Mary Mount Secondary School (Flamingo Ward)

• Vivian Chepkemoi – Mogotio Girls High School (Soin Ward)

• Irene Wanjiru Wangari – Naivasha Day Secondary School (Viwandani Ward)

• Dominic Ngugi Mumbi – Naivasha High School (Sirikwa Ward)

• Shirlyne Wangechi Njoroge – Pangani Girls High School (Biashara Ward)

Beyond ordinary bursaries, the County Government is also extending support to students with special needs.

According to Kihika, these young people require additional resources to thrive, and the county is determined to equip them with the tools they need to become self-reliant.

“I appeal to individuals, institutions, and development partners to work hand in hand with the County Government to further this noble cause—especially in supporting children with disabilities,” she stated.

In fulfilment of mandate regarding Early Childhood Education (ECDE) and Vocational Training, in the past year the county has:

• Employed 498 ECDE teachers on permanent and pensionable terms, increasing the total to 821

• Implemented the Uji program across the County, raising learner numbers from 59,000 to 65,000 and ECDE centres from 1,003 to 1,068

• Constructed 127 ECDE classrooms, rehabilitated 16, equipped 628 with age-appropriate furniture, constructed 10 kitchens to support the Uji program, and built 69 toilets for the comfort of our young ones

• Constructed 8 training rooms/workshops at our VTCs at a cost of Kshs 15.2 million

• Equipped 9 VTCs with modern tools and equipment worth Kshs 15.7 million

• Constructed and opened 7 new VTCs, bringing the total number to 40

• Constructed 10 Centres of Excellence to be operationalized this year

• Increased enrolment in VTCs from 5,361 trainees last year to 6,250 this year

• Continued paying Kshs 30,000 capitation fee for each VTC learner

“In conclusion, let us continue working together—leaders, educators, parents, and well-wishers—to ensure that the dreams of Nakuru’s children are not extinguished by poverty. Education is the most powerful tool we can offer them. With it, we break the chains of poverty and open doors to a brighter future,” she stated.