The Kisii County government will increase bursary allocation from Kshs. 135 million to KShs. 225 million in the next financial year.

Governor James Ongwae noted that the move will boost transition rates in learning institutions.

Addressing principals of secondary schools during the Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KSSHA), Ongwae said each ward will receive Ksh 5 million.

In this financial year, each of 45 wards received Ksh 3 million with more than 7,000 students benefitting from the allocation.

Ongwae called upon school management boards to be transparent and file returns in advance to help us meet the audit requirements.

The Governor said according to the 4th Schedule of the Constitution, County Governments are responsible for Pre-Primary, Village Polytechnics, Home craft centres and Childcare facilities.

He said the education sector has not been fully devolved because basic education (primary and secondary), tertiary and university education have been retained by the National Government.

“My government, in accordance with chapter 55 of the Constitution, has taken the necessary measures, including affirmative action programmes, to ensure that our youth access relevant education and training,” said Ongwae.

KSSHA chairman Jairus Onchoke chairman thanked Ongwae for the allocation saying it will improve education standards in the region.

The meeting was attended by KUPPET and KNUT national representatives who praised Ongwae for holding the first education conference which deliberated on how best education standards can be improved.