The Mountain Times :- We've Got you covered

Equity Bank, Kerugoya branch Manager Simon Kanyingi briefing the media about the Elimu Scholarship Program after  24 beneficiaries of the program were flagged off by the Kirinyaga Deputy County Commissioner Daniel Ndege this morning outside the bank's Kerugoya branch

The government has directed Chiefs and their Assistants to mop out from their  midst all children who are yet to report to school as Form Ones  in Kirinyaga County.

Throigh  the area Deputy County Commissioner Daniel Ndege the administrators were told to  ensure no child  who was due to join Form One class this year remained behind.

Kirinyaga County Deputy County Commissioner Daniel Ndege flagging off the 24 Elimu Scholarship Program this morning outside the Kerugoya town Equity bank branch office.

Ndege  said although transition rate  to Form One in the area  stood at 95 per cent , there was need  to ensure any child was not left at home .

He was speaking outside the Equity Bank,  Kerugoya branch  this morning  after flagging off some 24 students who have joined Form  One in various schools   but from poor backgrounds .

At the same time Ndege has declared   the county a drug free area and warned those who thrive on this illegal trade of dire consequences if caught.

He asked parents , teachers and members of the public to be extra vigilant and blow the whistle should they notice any quire characteristics  of their children who might fall victims of drug  and substance abuse .

“Although I  can attest  that drug and substance abuse incidents are at zero at the moment  in this area , no effort should be spared in the fight against this social vice ,”Ndege said.

Through the Bank’s Elimu Scholarship Program, the beneficiaries will have their fees at the rate of Sh 54,000 per child .

According to the Bank’s branch Manager Simon Kanyingi  the  program will also adequately cater for the beneficiaries basic needs in their four  year course .

“Under the program the children will have their transport to and  fro their respective schools catered for ,  as well  as their basic requirements in the course of their four year study period ,”he said.

The official said under this program 27,004  students had benefited so far while he added that  3000 students who did not make it to the  University had transited  to various TIVET  institutions .