The West Pokot County government has launched a Kshs 400 million bursary kitty for needy students from the County in secondary schools. Speaking while launching the cheque at Ortum Boys high school, area Governor John Lonyangapuo who is an alumni of the school and was clad in Ortum High school uniform said that school enrollment in the County has increased sharply with over 27,237 students documented in Form Two to Form Four in 2020 and data for Form One students is projected to hit 15,000 which translates to over 40,000 in secondary schools up from 23,000 in 2017.
He pointed out that school retention and transition rates have improved significantly too. The County boss said that students from households affected by recent landslides will be considered for an additional amount.
“Ortum Boys Secondary School which has the highest number of students from West Pokot received Kshs 13.93 million,” he said “My administration has put emphasis on matters education to help reduce the illiteracy level and empower the people of West Pokot.”
Lonyangapuo observed that they have uplifted education standards after the region was marginalized for a long time. “Education is not devolved but we have invested heavily in education. We are giving out bursaries without discrimination or based on political parties’ affilatiations or tribes,” he said.
He said that many schools have been set up in the County hence called on headteachers to give learners a conducive environment for learners. “45 schools have been set up in one year, now we have 235 schools, up from 128 when I took over as the Governor years ago.” West Pokot woman representative Ms Lillian Tomitom lauded the Governor for helping mothers who are burdened by school fees.