Sh50 million shillings worth of bursaries will be released next week to Kiambu poor and needy students who had applied for sponsorships from the county government, Kiambu Education CeC Esther Ndirangu has said.
Speaking to journalists on Wednesday in Thika, Ndirangu said that Sh40 million was disbursed to students in secondary schools and tertiary institutions at the beginning of this year who had applied earlier.
"The county government is committed to ensuring that Kiambu students do not stay away from school for lack of school fees. We will continue to support needy and bright students through the County Bursary Fund," Ndirangu said.
She added that the county government had allocated Sh180 million for bursaries during 2015/2016 financial year and is intending to raise the amount to Sh300 million during the 2016/2017 financial year.
"The fund has attracted many applicants and that is why we intend to raise it in the next financial year to benefit more students. Currently, each of the 60 Kiambu County wards will have 1000 students benefit. Coming financial we want the beneficiaries to be more," she said.
Ndirangu further revealed that Sh27 million of the Sh180 million will be used to sponsor orphans and vulnerable children where their school fees will be paid in full.