It is a sigh of relief for Kwale needy families as the county government increased bursary funding.
The county has raised it from Sh400 million to Sh500 million under the Elimu Ni Sasa Initiative.
It was initially started in 2013 by the previous administration with its main purpose being to reduce the number of school dropouts, teen pregnancies and early marriages sparked by high poverty levels.
The programme targets vulnerable bright students in high schools, tertiary colleges and universities across the county.
The money is disbursed equally among all 20 wards in Kwale with those who scored high grades in KCPE and KCSE exams getting full sponsorship.
Deputy Governor Chirema Kombo said the Kwale administration aims at reaching more children on matters of education to help them realise their dreams as well as increasing literacy levels and fighting poverty in the region.
"We are focused on making access to quality education affordable for all our children and improving the living standards of our people," he said.
Kombo said they want to cushion parents from the burden of paying school fees amid tough economic times.
He made the remarks while marking the International Albinism Day at Kwale Cultural in Matuga subcounty.
The DG said the bursary programme will allow parents to save money for other family development agendas.
Kombo said increasing the county bursary kit was a priority in their campaign agendas, and that they will continue improving it to cater for the needs of the locals.
He said the county banks on better education to transform the area's economy and development.
The DG said when children are empowered through quality education and job skills, they become competent and productive in the society.
Kombo said the initiative is part of their commitment to ensuring Kwale children are well educated and be professionals in various fields.
He said the programme has changed the lives of many children and elevated the general academic performance of the county.
Kombo said previously, the county was tailing on matters of education but currently is known to be producing the academic giants.
So far, more than 5,150 students in national schools and over 3,000 in universities have benefited from the county's full scholarship while over 50,000 others are enjoying the partial bursaries.
The DG said they seek to bridge the gap between the rich and the poor as all will be equally educated.
"No child will be sent home because of school fees. The county is there to support," he said.
He said parents have no reason not to take their children, especially girls, to school as the tuition fees will be catered for.
The DG said the bursary programme is also extended to persons with disabilities who will receive full sponsorship.
"Both parents and children should take advantage of the county bursary programme to uplift their lives," he said, adding that students should take matters of education seriously as it is the only weapon against poverty and illiteracy.
He warned the students against teen pregnancy, drugs and substance abuse.
Kombo urged the youth to go for technical courses and acquire various job skills and certificates to effectively compete for employment opportunities.
A parent Halima Mwatoa hailed the county government for increasing the bursary funds.
She said with the high cost of living, the bursaries will help children remain in school and achieve their goals.
Suleiman Rama, another parent said the initiative will go a long way in fighting crime, early marriages and teen pregnancies.
He said before, girls chose to get married early because their future in education was not guaranteed.
"It will help more girls get the desire to learn because the school fees is already there," he said.
