Nakuru Governor Kinuthia Mbugua has raised concerns over the low number of needy students applying for bursary funds in the county.
Speaking at the county headquarters when he presented Sh52 million cheque to the County Assembly Bursary Committee on Tuesday, Mbugua said that the low number of students applying for the funds is worrying.
He asked students from poor backgrounds to come out and apply for the money since it belongs to them.
The governor indicated that it will be inappropriate for the funds to lie idle in bank accounts when it should be put into use.
“I am sad that needy students from this county are not ready to utilise bursary funds,” he said.
Mbugua said that needy students have a right to apply for bursary in order for them to expand their education. He added that his government is committed to improving education standards of the county in order to fight poverty and unemployment.
The county boss called on the national government to increase allocations to the bursary kitty to enable more needy students’ access education.
On the same note, Mbugua indicated that funds have been set aside for tertiary and polytechnic students in the county. He said the funds will pay fees for students seeking to join technical institutions.
Mbugua observed that technical institutions are important since they mainly focus on practical skills rather than theory.
He noted that the issues facing the society need practical solutions apart from theoretical work, adding that universities and colleges should strive to provide practical based programs to help students learn effectively.