Vihiga: 70 Form 1 students receive scholarships from county govt

At least 70 students in Vihiga County who sat their KCPE exams last year will have their secondary school education fully funded by the county government.

This is after the county administration unveiled the Governor’s Bursary scholarship programme to help students from poor backgrounds continue with their education.

Dreams of one Johnstone Mulwa becoming a neurosurgeon were Wednesday revived following the unveiling of the scholarship programme by Governor Wilber Ottichilo.

Having scored 403 marks in last year’s KCPE exams, Mulwa is among the 70 pupils from the 25 wards who have benefited from the programme.

His joy was palpable when he set foot at Chavakali High School.

“I am happy that the county helped me. My parents could not afford high school fees,’’ narrated Mulwa when he was being admitted at Chavakali High School.

Also on the scheme is Esther Adisa, who was joining Kaplong’ Girls School, after scoring 396 marks at Essong’olo Primary School.

In his message encouraging the students, Governor Ottichilo told the pupils they could become whatever they aspire regardless of their humble background.

‘‘The first shoe I wore was a rubber shoe called Twiga Tanga. I was bought when I was going to form five and form six. For all these years I had not entered into a vehicle, ’’ said the Governor.

He added that the county government will open a file for each beneficiary to monitor their academic performance and also create for them mentorship programs.

The event was also attended by Chief Officer in charge of Education Mary Anyienda,  Mariita Agufana, the CEC in charge of Education and the Chairperson of the Vihiga County Assembly Education committee Violet Bagada.

According to the Governor, the Ksh.7 million is set to be expanded to more than 100 beneficiaries in future with a budget for the same being increased.