Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has raised concerns over the insufficiency of bursary allocations made by Members of Parliament (MPs), stating that they fall short of meeting the ever-growing educational needs of learners across the country.
Speaking during the launch of the 2024/2025 county bursary programme at Ivumbuni Primary School in Mumbuni North Ward, Governor Wavinya emphasized the need for a more collaborative approach to education funding. She welcomed a new agreement allowing county governments to participate in bursary distribution, noting that counties have a critical role to play in complementing national government efforts through the use of locally generated revenue.
“We sat down with the national government through the Department of Education and the Council of Governors and told them that it is very important for us as county governments to also provide bursaries for our children,” she said. “Yes, Members of Parliament do give bursaries, but that alone is not enough. Since we also have a role as counties and collect our own-source revenue, it is only right that we channel some of that money back to support our children.”
During the event, the governor unveiled a Ksh.120 million bursary fund targeting needy students across Machakos County. She revealed that more than 92,500 learners have already benefited from bursaries since she assumed office, underscoring her administration’s commitment to equitable access to education.
The governor noted that the county applies a fair and inclusive selection process to ensure only deserving and needy cases are prioritized. She further urged school administrators to allow learners to remain in school despite potential delays in disbursement of the bursary funds, to avoid disrupting their education.
Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi lauded the initiative, terming it a long-term investment in the county’s future. He reiterated the county leadership’s resolve to continue supporting learners and enhancing access to quality education.
The move marks a significant step toward strengthening education support systems at the grassroots level and ensuring no child is left behind due to financial constraints.
