Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has urged the government to prioritise education and ensure adequate funding is allocated to the sector.

The governor also said counties should be allowed to continue disbursing bursaries, noting that the programme supports thousands of students who benefit from the funds.

Speaking at Ihura Stadium when he issued bursary cheques to beneficiaries of the Inua Masomo programme, Kang’ata said removing bursaries from devolved units is ill-advised and might see more students stay out of class due to a lack of school fees.

“There has been a tussle over county bursaries, which were termed illegal. However, given the number of students benefiting and the impact being created, the government should reconsider this move,” he said.

He stressed that it is crucial to ensure all children have access to education, as this will help them pursue careers for self-reliance in the future.

“It’s through education that we get doctors, teachers, engineers and entrepreneurs, and thus we cannot underestimate its impact,” Kang’ata stated.

“While the government commits to various important projects such as roads and hospitals, it should place education at the top of the list,” he added.

Academic performance

He said Murang’a has become the first county to issue bursaries after the Controller of Budget allowed counties to continue issuing them.

He revealed that the county’s Bursaries and Scholarship Fund supports more than 50,000 needy students.

“We have disbursed Ksh50 million, which besides being a relief to parents, will also help keep schools afloat as they await capitation,” he said.

Additionally, the governor explained that the programme, which primarily focuses on day schools, aims to create competition among students and improve academic performance.

The county also issued bursaries to beneficiaries of the Nyota Zetu Programme, an initiative from the former county administration that provides full scholarships to bright students from disadvantaged backgrounds.