Governor Jonathan Bii on Thursday presided over the disbursement of Ksh119.5 million cheques that will go towards supporting 18,071 needy students from across the county.

Speaking during the event held at the County headquarters in Eldoret town, Bii said the beneficiaries are students in secondary schools, technical institutions, colleges and universities.

The Governor said the bursaries will go a long way in easing the financial burden on students as the funds will be used to cover their tuition fees.

My administration recognizes the importance of education and we believe the students will make us proud by achieving their goals,” he said.

The County Boss further noted that Education was a key pillar under his Nguzo Kumi and affirmed his commitment to investing more in the sector.

He revealed that he had already allocated Ksh15.7 million in the supplementary budget that he hopes will cushion and support more needy students who missed out on the program due to the high number of applicants.

Governor Bii further said over the years, the county has financially supported over 78,000 students’ with a disbursement of Ksh527.5 million.

We will increase allocation in coming months to reach more learners,” the Governor said.

He also noted that plans are in place for the roll-out of the school feeding program in ECDEs across the county.

Deputy Governor Eng. John Barorot on his part said the county will have a discussion with the County Assembly over a request to increase allocation for the bursary kitty.

He described education as an equalizer in life and challenged beneficiaries of the bursaries to make good use of the support.

Make a decision that will make a difference in your life. Use the support to be a catalyst for success in life,” Eng Barorot advised the 18,000 beneficiaries.

Education County Executive Committee Member Dr. Janeth Kosgey in her speech thanked Governor Bii for listing the sector among his Nguzo Kumi agenda.

She noted that through the Revolving Fund, the County has supported at least 3,600 students in technical institutions who have since graduated.

Work hard and work smart so that the bursary brings value to your life,” the CECM advised the needy students.

County Secretary Edwin Bett, County Executive Committee Members for Devolution and Administration Elijah Kosgei. Martha Cheruto (Trade), Edward Sawe (Agriculture) Dr. Sam Kotut (Health) Anthony Sitienei (Lands) Deputy Speaker Sarah Malel, Leader of Majority Julius Sang, Chief officers for Education Ruth Samoei, Eunice Suter (Gender and Social Protection) Naum Tirop (Youths) Habdullai Hussein (Lingages and partnership) and County Public Services board officials were in attendance.