Murang’a Foundation Offers Full Scholarships to Needy StudentsWest Pokot County Achieves Over 95% Transition Rate to Secondary Schools

MURANG’A — In a significant boost for education access in Murang’a County, the Irungu Nyakera Foundation has awarded full scholarships to 110 students from impoverished backgrounds, enabling them to commence their secondary education without the burden of tuition fees.

According to Kenya News Agency, these scholarships, totaling Sh10 million, are dedicated to supporting the selected students throughout their four-year secondary education journey. The foundation’s patron, Irungu Nyakera, personally distributed cheques to the beneficiaries on Saturday, allowing them to report to their respective day secondary schools.

The scholarships target students who scored over 200 marks in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams but were unable to join Form One due to financial constraints. The foundation specifically focused on children of single parents and those from families burdened by terminal illnesses. These efforts were part of a broader initiative to ensure that students from the most disadvantaged backgrounds have the opportunity to pursue their educational dreams.

Nyakera, who also serves as the chairperson of the Kenya Medical Supplies Authority (KEMSA), emphasized that the scholarship program aims to level the educational playing field. It not only covers full tuition fees but also includes a mentorship program to guide students towards becoming well-rounded and responsible individuals. The foundation’s commitment to education reflects a belief in its pivotal role in the nation’s future.

The announcement came during an event in Kenol, where Nyakera highlighted the success of the foundation’s previous beneficiaries. Last year, 350 students sponsored by the foundation completed their secondary education, paving the way for this new cohort. Established in 2017, the foundation has made a significant impact across Murang’a County, with beneficiaries selected from all regions to ensure widespread benefit.

The mentorship component of the scholarship is designed to address the challenges students face from various influences that may lead to irresponsible behavior. By providing guidance and support, the foundation aims to foster a positive development trajectory for these young individuals.

Looking forward, Nyakera announced plans to select another group of Form One students for scholarships next year, urging Kenyans to support needy students in their communities. The initiative has received praise from local leaders, including Maragua MP Mary Waithera, who acknowledged the critical need for such support in enabling students to join secondary education.

The scholarships represent a beacon of hope for many families in Murang’a County. Parents like Mary Wanjiru, whose son received a scholarship, expressed profound gratitude for the foundation’s support. For these families, the scholarships offer a lifeline, ensuring their children can pursue secondary education and aspire to a brighter future.

WEST POKOT, Kenya — In a significant educational milestone, West Pokot County has achieved a transition rate of over 95% for school-going children moving from primary to secondary education. This achievement comes as part of a concerted effort by the Ministry of Education, which includes a mop-up exercise to ensure all learners are enrolled in secondary school.

According to Kenya News Agency, Stephen Barongo, who was in West Pokot for the mop-up operation, the aim is to have 100% of learners in school. Barongo highlighted the necessity of enrolling the remaining 5% of children not yet in school, stressing the importance of universal access to education. The director noted that this initiative is part of a broader effort to mobilize more than 130,000 students in Grade 7 and Form 1, ensuring they smoothly transition to secondary education as per the 100% transition policy.

Barongo revealed that officers from the Ministry of Education are deployed throughout the country to facilitate the transition of students from grade six to grade seven as junior secondary students this year, and from standard eight to form one. The mop-up exercise reflects the government’s commitment to free and compulsory education in day schools, with the government bearing the majority of educational expenses.

The collaborative efforts between the Ministry of Education and the Ministry of Interior have been instrumental in this achievement, utilizing local chiefs to encourage school enrollment. This partnership has led to a significant number of children enrolling in educational institutions within the county.

Barongo also emphasized the role of parents in this process, urging them to recognize the importance of education and ensure that no child is left behind. He warned that parents obstructing their children’s access to education would be held accountable. Additionally, the director assured that those who missed out on education would be supported by the Directorate of Adult and Continuity Education, highlighting education’s role in national development.

The government is providing capitation for students in grades seven, eight, and nine, as well as for Form 1 students, ensuring full sponsorship for those participating in the mop-up exercise. Secondary school principals have been cautioned against imposing extra charges without government authorization, as the government covers all fees for day schools.

The importance of the Competency Based Curriculum was also highlighted, aiming to develop each learner’s unique abilities. Kapenguria Division Assistant County Commissioner Ruth Wachera and other officials, including St. Mary’s Siyoi Secondary School Principal Wycliffe Ngachi, have been actively involved in the mop-up exercise, ensuring students receive the necessary support and admission letters for Form 1 enrollment.

This collective effort underscores the community’s commitment to education and the government’s pledge to ensure every child has access to learning opportunities, regardless of their background.