Nakuru Governor Susan Kihika has launched the second tranche of the 2025/2026 financial year county bursary programme worth Sh162.9 million, targeting 28,678 students across the county.
The bursary was launched at Githoko-ini Grounds in Mau Narok, with beneficiaries drawn from universities, colleges, secondary schools, vocational training centres and special schools across all sub-counties.
In a statement shared on her social media accounts, Kihika said the allocation was aimed at ensuring that no child is denied an education due to financial constraints.
“Bringing the total county bursary allocation to Sh446 million,” she said, noting that the county had earlier disbursed Sh284,480,397 to 57,231 students.
The governor added that her administration would tour every sub-county to officially launch the respective bursaries awarded to beneficiaries.
Kihika also highlighted several initiatives undertaken by her administration to improve access to education, particularly at the early childhood development and vocational training levels.
She said the county had introduced fortified porridge in all public Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centres, employed 498 ECDE teachers and supplied learning materials while constructing additional ECDE classrooms.
The governor further noted that her administration had expanded vocational training opportunities and introduced a Sh30,000 capitation allocation for learners in Vocational Training Centres (VTCs).
She announced that the county would introduce free school uniforms for all learners in public ECDE centres from January 2027.
Kihika said the initiatives were part of efforts to improve learning conditions and expand educational opportunities for children and young people across Nakuru County.
During the event, the governor raised concerns over the high prevalence of child labour in Mau Narok, excessive consumption of illicit alcohol and school absenteeism.
She urged young people to enrol in vocational training centres to acquire practical skills that could improve their employment and self-employment opportunities.
Kihika said education remained a key tool for promoting equal opportunities and improving livelihoods, sentiments reinforced by testimonies from parents and bursary beneficiaries who attended the launch.
Beyond education, the governor outlined development projects targeting water, healthcare, infrastructure, agriculture, trade and environmental conservation in Mau Narok.
She also encouraged residents to apply for low-interest loans through the county’s Sh100 million Wezesha Fund, which is intended to support economic empowerment and business development.
The launch was attended by County Secretary Samuel Mwaura, Chief of Staff Peter Ketyenya, several county executive committee members and chief officers, alongside other county officials.
