Francis Wambugu Irungu Kirinyaga Governor Anne Waiguru has disbursed Ksh.129.5 million in bursaries to benefit 48,000 needy students across the county, reaffirming her administration’s pledge to ensure that no learner is denied education due to financial hardship.
Speaking at the County Headquarters during the disbursement ceremony, Waiguru described the initiative as a significant milestone in securing the future of Kirinyaga’s children, with beneficiaries drawn from all levels of education. Of the total recipients, 37,002 are secondary school students, 5,565 are enrolled in colleges, and 5,433 are pursuing university education, a breakdown the governor said underscores her administration’s commitment to inclusivity and equity in learning.
The latest disbursement pushes the county’s total bursary allocation to Ksh.670.2 million since 2017, a remarkable jump from the Ksh.49.1 million disbursed in the 2017/2018 financial year. Waiguru attributed the steady growth to a deliberate policy of easing the financial burden on families while widening access to education. Beneficiary selection is handled through ward-level bursary committees, a structure the county says promotes transparency and ensures that the most deserving students are reached.
Kirinyaga Central MP Gachoki Gitari lauded the governor’s unwavering support for education, particularly her efforts in reversing a government directive that had previously barred counties from disbursing bursaries. “Because of her efforts, this programme was reinstated, and that is why we are able to support these students today,” said Gitari. He also commended the county’s Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) uniform programme as a transformative intervention for young learners.
Murinduko Ward MCA and Education Committee Chairperson Charles Nyaga Nyamu echoed those sentiments, calling the disbursement a turning point for many families. Drawing from personal experience, Nyamu noted that he was once a needy student and credited education with transforming his life. “Education is the greatest equalizer and it can make you dine with kings,” he said.
The ceremony was further enriched by moving testimonies from beneficiaries. Virginia Wangeci Njuki recounted how she nearly abandoned her studies following the death of her father in Form Three, but Waiguru personally stepped in and honoured a promise to see her through school. She has since graduated from KMTC with a diploma in orthopedic and trauma medicine.
Erick Kariuki shared a similar story of resilience, having previously dropped out of college multiple times due to lack of fees. After meeting the governor in 2021, his fees were fully paid and he graduated in 2024. “The support didn’t just change my education, it changed my life,” he said.
Waiguru also announced the distribution of 62,127 textbooks, 20,709 pencils, and other materials to 14,142 ECDE learners, alongside new furniture for nine ECDE centres. Enrolment in Technical and Vocational Education and Training institutions has also grown from 889 students in 2017 to 1,332 in 2025.
“We will continue to invest in education at all levels,” the governor said. “We are laying the foundation for a more prosperous and equitable Kirinyaga.”
