"I recall with nostalgia the hardship I went through in my academic journey."
"My mother used to sell mandazi at Kibuye market so that she could raise my fees at Kisumu Boys High School.
Occasionally, I could be sent back home to go and look for fees.
I know some of my brothers and sisters who were very bright in school but did not get the opportunity to pursue full academic potential because of fees.
That is why I am very passionate about the scholarship and bursary programs.
These were the words of Governor Jack Ranguma when he gave out bursary funds to bright but needy students from the county.
He said his main aim is to ensure quality education for all, regardless of one’s economic background.
Ranguma said his office had awarded full scholarships to 280 bright and needy students who excelled in the 2016 KCPE.
"Last year we offered a similar opportunity to 230 students who are now in Form Two," he added.
"This takes the total number of students who have benefited from the full scholarship program to 510. The county government is not only paying their fees but also catering for other expenses such as pocket money, books, uniforms, sanitary pads for our girls, fare among others."
He said the demand for the scholarship program was huge. I know there could have been pupils who qualified for the program but did not get the chance because of limited slots occasioned by lack of adequate resources."
To address the soaring need, he would complement the scholarship program with a bursary kitty which is benefitting students in secondary schools, colleges and universities.
"We have provided Sh2 million per ward. This year we have allocated Sh100 million for the bursary and scholarship program. I have instructed the Department of Education to expedite the process of releasing this term’s bursaries to reduce the burden of fees on students and parents."