Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti during the Launch of County Bursaries. Photo Governor's Press. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Machakos Governor Wavinya Ndeti has lauded the recent resolution of a long-standing stalemate that had barred county governments from directly funding bursary programmes using their own revenues.
Speaking during the launch of the 2025 County Bursary Programme at Ivumbuni Primary School in Mumbuni North Ward on Friday, the Governor hailed the signing of an intergovernmental agreement with the national government as a major win for thousands of needy learners.
“As you are aware, the counties had been restricted from using their own revenue to support education, despite the glaring needs on the ground,” Governor Wavinya said. “We sat down with the national government through the Ministry of Education and convinced them that it is very important for counties to be allowed to issue bursaries.”
She emphasized that although Members of Parliament have traditionally issued bursaries, the allocations are not sufficient to cover all needy students.
“We collect revenue, and we felt it is only fair that we give back to the community. A Governor is the mother and father of the county—how can we be restricted from taking our children to school?” she posed.
The breakthrough now allows county governments to support education financing, a move Wavinya termed as timely and transformational.
As part of this new chapter, the Governor announced the disbursement of Ksh 120 million in bursary funds to benefit 28,628 students drawn from all the 40 wards across Machakos County. This, she said, would help keep learners in school and ensure their education continues uninterrupted.
“This batch of beneficiaries would have missed school, but we are happy they will continue with their classes without disruption,” she said, adding that her administration remains committed to expanding the programme further.
“My government has progressively enhanced the bursary allocation from the initial Ksh 80 million to now Ksh 120 million, and it is my dream to reach Ksh 200 million,” she declared.
Governor Wavinya also noted that the county conducted a public participation exercise on January 14th and 15th this year to identify the neediest cases, including orphans and learners with disabilities, ensuring a fair and transparent process.
She thanked school principals across the county for their patience and support in retaining students as the bursary process was finalized.
Machakos Deputy Governor Francis Mwangangi echoed the Governor’s sentiments, terming education support as the most powerful investment in the future of a people.
“A leader who supports education is a leader who values the future of his or her people. We want to thank the Governor for her unwavering commitment,” said Mwangangi. “I want to challenge our children to take education seriously. Our Governor could not be where she is today without education.”
The event marked a major milestone for Machakos County’s education sector and offered renewed hope for thousands of learners from underprivileged backgrounds.
