Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, on Wednesday, May 24, pledged to support 20 students from State House Girls' High School.
In a statement, the first-time city Governor committed to pay their full-year school fees. Sakaja announced that he was compelled to clear the school fees after learning of their challenges at the institution.
The former Nairobi Senator added that the students promised to post stellar results in the 2023 Kenya Certificate for Secondary Education (KCSE).
He made the pledge after making an impromptu stop at the institution during lunch break and shared a meal with the students.
"Impromptu lunch visit at State House Girls School. Very happy to interact with and listen to their aspirations and dreams. They are determined to get an 8.2 average this year," Sakaja's statement read in part.
"Was glad to support an additional 20 girls who have fees challenges by paying their entire year's fees," he added without revealing the monetary value of his support to the students.
Sakaja indicated that the support formed part of his administration's mandate to support children from low-income household access to quality education.
In February, Sakaja came to the rescue of a student who was set to join Maranda High School. The student had sat for the Kenya Certificate for Primary Education (KCPE), but financial constraints threatened his education dreams.
"So happy for young Bernard whose dream of joining High School had been shattered due to lack of fees. He is now well on his way to Maranda School. Bernard, go on and be great! His Form 1-4 fees are fully paid for," Sakaja announced.
To further support various struggling students, Sakaja unveiled bursaries worth Ksh1 billion. The governor announced that the bursaries would target needy students from Nairobi public primary schools admitted at National, Extra County and County Boarding Secondary schools.
He expressed optimism that over 27,900 more learners would benefit from the programme.
"We have committed to supporting students who excel. This program will not end after 2027. After five years, we shall support you to further your education at the university," Sakaja announced while dishing out the bursaries.
President William Ruto's administration further pledged to support education by instructing principals not to send students home due to fee arrears.
Education Cabinet Secretary Ezekiel Machogu warned that hefty penalties would be imposed on school heads found violating the directive.
Machogu further barred schools from directing parents where to buy school uniforms which he argued was among the challenges affecting 100 per cent transition policy.
"Schools shall determine the uniform for their schools, which includes additional unique features for the identification and branding of their institutions.
"Uniform shall be the responsibility of parents and no school shall direct parents where to purchase the uniform or exclude students for failure to afford a school uniform," Machogu insisted.
