Sh71 million released for needy students

Governor Martin Wambora

More than 10,000 needy students are set to benefit from bursaries after the Embu county government released Sh71 million.

Governor Martin Wambora said his administration increased the amount disbursed from Sh41.5 million last year, which assisted 5,642 learners, to this year's Sh71 million for 10,346 needy students.

Speaking at a fundraiser at Machang'a Secondary School in Mbeere South on Saturday, Wambora said the fund will mainly benefit students from low-income backgrounds in secondary schools, universities, colleges and special schools in 609 institutions.

He said Sh45 million will benefit 7,776 students from 363 secondary schools, while another Sh8.3 million will be given to 953 learners in 45 universities.

The county chief added that 813 students from 146 colleges will receive Sh6.5 million, while 636 learners from 34 youth polytechnics will benefit from Sh5.3 million.

Wambora noted the county had entered into an agreement with Higher Education Loans Board (Helb).

The county deposited an initial Sh35 million with Helb to fund needy students from the region.