More than Sh20 million has been raised in support of the Thika Education Trust Fund which aims to help needy students.
The event, held over the weekend at St Patrick primary school in Thika, was presided over by Deputy President William Ruto. Several leaders also attended the function which was to raise funds to provide bursaries.
Ruto said the government is ready and fully equipped to offer and support education in both public and in the private sector.
He noted the increment of the allocation in this financial year saw an additional Sh4 billion for primary school free education and a further 10 billion to subsidise secondary education.
“The government has increased the free primary school allocation and subsidised secondary school education,” Ruto said.
“We are going to support education in all aspects as it is the best gift we can give to our children.”
The DP revealed that in support of developmental projects like education, infrastructure and agriculture among others, parliament has set aside more than Sh100 million for this.
The deputy president also called upon the youth to contribute to the development of the country. He said the economy greatly depends on their efforts in industries and also in the private sector and agribusiness which has started to manifest in most parts of the country.
“The heart of the development agenda is to get the young and energetic to contribute and drive the economy. Bearing in mind that Thika is an industrial and agricultural town, we are sure of youths getting more opportunities in the private sector for self and economic development,” he added.
He also cautioned leaders in charge of public funds against misuse of the money. He said the funds are meant for the good of all Kenyans and everybody in charge of those funds will be held accountable.