Governor Ochillo Ayacko has unveiled a groundbreaking initiative, allocating a staggering 120 million shillings towards educational bursaries in the current fiscal year.
Addressing the press at his official residence, Governor Ayacko outlined a meticulous plan to disburse these funds effectively, ensuring that 18,626 learners, spanning both secondary and vocational training centres, receive the support they need to pursue their academic dreams.
The Governor emphasized the significance of prioritizing education, stating unequivocally that bursaries are not just a county duty but a moral obligation to uplift the youth.
“Education is the cornerstone of progress, therefore as a county we have to chip in to support the needy” he declared, highlighting the county’s commitment to nurturing talent from an early age through support for ECDE (Early Childhood Development Education).
However, he decried the road to educational empowerment hasn’t been without its challenges.
The governor candidly addressed the delays in exchequer releases, which have resulted in the postponement of bursary disbursements to the first term of the academic year.
Despite these hurdles, the county remains steadfast in its mission to ensure equitable distribution, taking into account factors such as gender balance and inclusivity across all polling stations.
As the countdown to the bursary distribution begins, Governor Ayacko issued a heartfelt plea to beneficiaries, urging them to seize this opportunity with diligence and gratitude.
“Your success is our success,” he reminded them, underscoring the transformative power of education in breaking the cycle of poverty.
However, Ayacko acknowledged the sobering reality of resource constraints, lamenting the inability to employ more ECDE teachers due to limited funds.
The suspension of the County Public Service Board also has greatly accelerated these these challenges, casting a shadow over the county’s efforts to employ new ECDE teachers to provide quality education for all.