DERRICK WANJALA
Governor George Natembeya has confirmed his administration’s ongoing commitment to aid education for disadvantaged students through bursaries and scholarships.
Speaking at the Catholic schools’ education day at St. Brigid’s Girls in Kiminini on Saturday, he mentioned that over 25,000 day school students have received bursaries this fiscal year. He plans to expand the scholarship program for bright, needy students, particularly in national schools, to enhance the county’s educational standards.
“Needy students should be empowered to obtain an education and become agents of change in society,” Natembeya emphasized.
He criticized the national government’s claim of free basic education, pointing out the financial burden on parents for school lunches. This, he argued, could hinder underprivileged students’ access to education.
“They claim basic education is free, but sadly, some have decided parents must pay upwards of 3,000 to 5,000 shillings for lunch. This ambiguity is hindering basic education access. We’re losing future professionals and scholars who could change our country,” Natembeya lamented. “People are frustrating the future aspirations of our children, especially in day schools.”
Governor Natembeya also criticized the university placement system, claiming it often forces students into courses they are not interested in due to the “quota system.”
“How many students with excellent grades who dreamt of studying medicine are forced into irrelevant courses? This system crushes dreams. We need a nation that empowers its people to achieve their aspirations,” Natembeya questioned.
He urged students to make the most of the educational opportunities available and listen to their teachers and clergy. He encouraged them to set ambitious goals and focus on their studies.
Natembeya praised the Catholic Church for its dedication to education, noting the positive impact of integrating faith into student development.
On national politics, Natembeya declared his refusal to support leaders who fail to fulfill their public service duties.
“I will not be party to leaders who promote tribalism, poverty, and ethnic profiling. We must say ‘TAWE’ to such individuals,” Natembeya declared.
He encouraged Kenyans to reject injustice for a brighter future.
Governor Natembeya also highlighted the success of the county’s “Ukombozi” free seed distribution program, which reached 150,000 households this year. He anticipates a 500,000 bags increase in maize production, recognizing that 40% of Trans Nzoia residents are farmers needing support for food and dairy production.
The Governor called on schools and residents to participate in the county’s tree-planting initiative, aiming to plant over a million trees annually, given the county’s role in protecting the Cherangany and Mt. Elgon water towers.EYAE