Kajiado County has emerged as the biggest beneficiary in the government’s latest scholarship rollout, with more than 2,337 girls set to receive support under the Campaign for Female Education (CAMFED) scholarships. The programme aims to keep vulnerable learners in school.
Speaking at Moi Girls’ Isinya, the Basic Education Principal Secretary Julius Bitok announced that the scholarships form part of a KSh20 billion package targeting 12,337 Grade 10 learners nationwide. The allocation combines 10,000 Elimu Scholarships funded by the World Bank and the CAMFED sponsorships dedicated specifically to girls in Kajiado. Bitok emphasized that Kajiado’s prominence reflects the government’s commitment to bridging gender gaps in education and supporting families grappling with financial constraints.
“We are implementing the Presidential directive that no learner should be denied access to education in public schools due to lack of school fees. This is a fundamental right, and our scholarships are designed to ensure no child is left behind,” Bitok said, noting that Kajiado has recorded the highest number of beneficiaries under the programme.
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The Elimu Scholarship Programme has supported 62,000 learners, prioritizing bright students from disadvantaged backgrounds, including refugees, urban slum residents, and indigent families. covering school fees, toiletries, pocket money, and transport, with eligibility verified through home visits by Ministry of Education teams, chiefs, and village representatives to ensure genuine need.
For Kajiado, the CAMFED scholarships are expected to stabilize enrollment during the transition to Grade 10, particularly for girls who often face greater barriers to education. Leaders at the launch said the support will not only ease financial pressure on households but also strengthen the county’s push for higher female participation in secondary and university education.
By Masaki Enock
