UASIN GISHU, KENYA – A total of 239 students from Uasin Gishu County have been granted the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation Elimu Scholarship, enabling them to join Form One this year. The announcement was made following the launch of the scholarship program in the county.

According to Kenya News Agency, In an interview, the County Director of Education for Uasin Gishu, Mr. John Gitonga, who oversaw the program's launch, revealed that these students were selected from 2,543 applicants. According to Gitonga, the scholarship is part of an effort to realize the 100% transition policy, facilitating the progression of vulnerable students from primary to secondary education. He emphasized the fairness of the selection process, which involved collaboration between the county education team, local chiefs, elders, and religious leaders to identify families struggling to afford secondary education fees.

However, Gitonga expressed concern over challenges such as drug and substance abuse and early pregnancies among scholarship beneficiaries. He disclosed that last year, 20 female students were forced to drop out due to these issues. Stressing the importance of education for all, he advised students to remain focused on their studies regardless of their economic background.

Gitonga highlighted the scholarship program as a government initiative to improve the lives of needy students through better access to education. He called for community involvement, urging parents and local mentors to guide and protect these children, particularly during school holidays, to prevent them from falling into detrimental habits.

Anthony Sitienei, Uasin Gishu County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, Technical Training, Gender, Social Protection, and Culture, appealed to other financial organizations to collaborate with national and county governments to expand support for vulnerable children.

The scholarship eligibility criteria were set at a minimum of 280 marks in the Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) exams, with a lower threshold of 240 for boys and 250 for girls from marginalized groups.

One of the beneficiaries, Shirleen Cheptum, expressed gratitude to the Jomo Kenyatta Foundation, acknowledging the opportunity it provides for children from humble backgrounds to pursue their educational aspirations and break the cycle of poverty in their families.

The government, in partnership with the World Bank, has been commended for the initiative, which has significantly increased the number of beneficiaries to about 9,000 this year, compared to approximately 3,000 last year. The scholarship covers costs such as uniforms, upkeep, and transportation for the students.