The County Government of Bungoma will slash scholarship beneficiaries from the current 8,000 to 3,000 due to financial constraints.

 Education County Executive Committee (CEC) David Wamamili (pictured) said the decision to increase the numbers from 2,000 to 8,000 by the previous regime was politically motivated during elections and was not sustainable

 He said they will be vetting the last beneficiaries afresh in order to reduce the numbers.

 Addressing the press in his office yesterday, Wamamili said even the county government then, did not have a budget for the same and never remitted money to the schools.  “Those who were increased during electioneering period their fees were never paid to respective schools,” he said. He pointed out that most of those in the beneficiary list were children of rich parents and they will be vetted to reduce the last cohort to 3000.

  On the other hand, this year the county government will sponsor the education of 675 on the scholarship programme.

 He pointed out that each ward will produce 15 bright but needy students in each of the 45 wards in Bungoma.

 Wamamili  said only bright and needy students with 350 marks and above will qualify.

 Wamamili said other needy cases will receive bursaries disbursed to wards with each ward receiving 4 million shillings totalling to 180 million across the county.

  Education Chief Officer George Kombo pointed out that the 8,000 is an unsustainable and will be reduced to fit the current economy. “Double beneficiaries, able parents, county staff, indiscipline students, will be removed from the scholarship list,” he said.