Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has announced that starting January 2025, the county government will pay the school fees for the top ten students in every public day secondary school in the region. The initiative is designed to support bright but financially disadvantaged learners, ensuring that they can continue their education without the burden of school fees.
Governor Kang’ata made the announcement during a food distribution event at Ihura Stadium, where he also marked the festive season by engaging with local residents. He emphasized that many students in day schools are talented but face challenges due to their families’ financial constraints. With this new policy, Kang’ata hopes to motivate these students to perform better and ensure they have the opportunity to pursue their education without the constant worry about fees.
“We want to ensure that the best performers in our day schools get motivated and also pursue their studies without challenges. From January next year, the selected students will study for free, as their fees will be paid by the county government,” said Kang’ata. He believes that this initiative will help students in Murang’a become competitive at the national level, providing them with the resources and encouragement needed to succeed.
This new initiative reflects a growing concern for the students in Murang’a, where many attend day secondary schools due to the high cost of attending boarding schools. The governor pointed out that schools such as Karega and Mukangu day secondary schools have been producing students with the necessary academic credentials to join universities, despite the financial limitations they face. This, he said, was an indication that students in day schools are capable of achieving great results, but often lack the financial support to further their education in prestigious national and extra-county schools.
Governor Kang’ata further highlighted that his administration is committed to supporting these students by continuing with bursary and scholarship programs, ensuring that those from poor families are not left behind in the pursuit of education. The county’s proactive approach to addressing educational disparities is a clear indication of the governor’s focus on improving the education sector and offering equal opportunities for all students, regardless of their economic background.
Apart from the educational initiatives, Governor Kang’ata also provided an update on improvements in health services across the county. He disclosed plans to employ more nurses and build additional health facilities to reduce congestion in existing hospitals and clinics. “By January, we will have reduced congestion in our health facilities. For instance, plans are underway to open the Mukuyu dispensary and employ new nurses in other new dispensaries across various wards,” he explained.
In addition to expanding healthcare services, Kang’ata also addressed the issue of power outages in health facilities, which have been a significant challenge in providing uninterrupted services. The county government is actively working to solarize health centers to prevent power interruptions, with Kenneth Matiba Hospital already benefiting from the initiative. The governor also announced plans to solarize street lights in local trading centers and towns to enhance security and mitigate power interruptions during the festive season.
While marking the festive season, Kang’ata urged the residents of Murang’a to celebrate Christmas cautiously, noting that some individuals take advantage of the holidays to engage in misconduct. He called on families to protect their children from criminal activities and urged the community to embrace the spirit of peace during the season.
Lastly, Governor Kang’ata recognized the exemplary performance of county workers, awarding gifts and certificates to departments that had excelled in service delivery. “The gifts and awards are a way to appreciate and celebrate everyone’s efforts in enhancing the county’s service delivery,” he concluded.
This move by Governor Kang’ata is a significant step in supporting education in Murang’a, providing hope for bright students who previously lacked the financial means to reach their full potential. The initiative is expected to inspire similar programs across other counties, contributing to the broader goal of achieving educational equity in Kenya.
