Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja, on Wednesday, July 5, unveiled a Ksh131 million funding programme for students within the county.
In a statement, Sakaja set aside Ksh100 million for the rollout of the free Early Childhood Education (ECDE).
"Children in all our ECDE Centers will not be charged a single shilling for their education," Sakaja's statement read in part.
Further, Sakaja unveiled Ksh31 million for students in various Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) institutes across the city.
The first-time city boss maintained that the money will help students settle their fee balances in the upcoming academic calendar.
Sakaja insisted that the money will supplement the Ksh1 billion bursary programme launched to support students from vulnerable households within the city.
"Our Ksh1 billion bursary program has seen cheques issued for each and every school term at the ward level," Sakaja stated.
Besides financial aid, Sakaja promised that pupils in public schools in Nairobi will soon be enjoying free lunch to keep them in class and improve learning outcomes. This was among pledges made by Governor Sakaja during the first sitting of the Nairobi County Assembly.
"It is embarrassing that there are more children out of school per capita in Nairobi due to poverty and hunger than in drought-ravaged counties," Sakaja stated.
To realise his ambition, Sakaja started the construction of central kitchens in various parts of the county. Sakaja announced that one facility will prepare 60,000 meals for students across the county.
“I am excited to see the progress on Africa’s largest kitchen being built right here in Nairobi. This kitchen leads the way by using 100 per cent green energy through modern cooking technology.
“We are on track to fulfill our promise to our Nairobi children. Groundbreaking on the other 17 kitchens will be happening soon as the procurement process is concluded,” Sakaja stated.
