Mombasa Governor Abdullswamad Nassir has disbursed Sh64 million in consolidated bursary cheques in the first phase of Elimu Fund.
The funds will go to 9,436 beneficiaries.
Through the county Department of education and digital transformation, the county had made calls for the application of bursaries devolved to the ward level.
"Education has always been close to my heart because I understand the power that it has to change an individual’s life," the governor said.
"Education is a gift that keeps on giving and nobody can ever take it away."
He spoke during the event at the Ronald Ngala Memorial School in Mvita.
Nassir was accompanied by area MP Mohamed Machele, Woman rep Zamzam Mohamed, Likoni MP Mishi Mboko, Speaker Aharub Khatri and the MCAs among other leaders.
In this financial year, the governor said, the Education sector is one of the biggest beneficiaries.
"Skills Mtaani provides part scholarships for vocational training (Sh130 million), the School Holiday Program to keep children away from vices while out of session (Sh145 million), the free School Feeding Program (Sh84 million) and the Elimu Fund for bursaries (Sh205 million) featuring prominently," he said.
The governor reiterated his commitment to changing the lives of the people of Mombasa.