The County Government of Nakuru has concluded the distribution of bursary cheques in Bahati Sub-County, supporting learners from across five wards. The exercise, led by County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Zipporah Ngugi, took place at JM Kariuki Memorial Secondary School where 5,839 learners benefited from bursaries worth Sh 29,405,766.

Representing Governor Susan Kihika, Ms. Ngugi reaffirmed the county government’s commitment to strengthening education as outlined in the Governor’s manifesto. She noted that plans are underway to scale up bursary allocations to reach more learners in future disbursements. The bursary program is designed to ease the financial burden on parents and guardians while enhancing retention and transition rates in schools.

The CECM also encouraged youth to enroll in Vocational Training Centres (VTCs), pointing to the role of technical and vocational education in equipping young people with skills that open pathways to employment and entrepreneurship. This aligns with Governor Kihika’s pledge to expand access to practical skills training for youth empowerment and economic growth.

In addition, Ms. Ngugi highlighted the ongoing Uji Program in Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), which has improved learner attendance and nutrition across public ECDE centres. The Governor’s manifesto identifies ECDE as a foundation for lifelong learning, and the feeding program is a step towards achieving that goal.

The county government is also equipping ECDE classrooms with age-appropriate furniture, creating safe and conducive learning environments for young learners. This effort directly contributes to the Governor’s vision of improving infrastructure in education and ensuring every child learns in a supportive setting.

Ms. Ngugi called on residents to continue supporting Governor Kihika’s development agenda, which places education at the centre of social and economic transformation.

The event was attended by area leaders including Bahati MCA Grace Mwathi, Dundori MCA Gathuita Mwangi, and Kabatini MCA Leah Ng’ang’a. Other county officials present were CECM Jacqueline Osoro, Chief Officers Rosemary Kimani (Education), Newton Mwaura (Agriculture), Catherine Changwony (ICT), Margaret Kinyanjui, and Deputy Director of EMU, Clement Ndung’u.

The bursary distribution exercise in Bahati Sub-County is part of a countywide program aimed at ensuring equitable access to education. It demonstrates Governor Susan Kihika’s focus on delivering her manifesto commitments by investing in bursaries, vocational training, and early childhood education.