The Mombasa County Government has released Sh213,750,000 to support day public secondary school learners in the county. This brings the total support for the learners to Sh213,750,000 this year. Governor Abdulswamad Nassir announced the release of Sh71,250,000 in third-term bursaries for 28,500 students, each receiving Sh2,500. The county’s total support this year is now Sh7,500 per student, comprising meals worth Sh5,000 during the first two terms and Sh2,500 for the third term.
The support is universal, regardless of the learner's or their parents' race, religion, tribe, skin color, or social status. Governor Nassir stated that his leadership focuses on practical solutions to everyday problems rather than empty political rhetoric. The Sh213,750,000 has benefited 55 public schools in Mombasa, including eight in Kisauni subcounty, seven in Changamwe, nine in Likoni, 17 in Mvita, eight in Nyali, and five in Jomvu.
Governor Nassir's education agenda aims to eventually offer free education in Mombasa. He announced that next year, another Sh7,500 will be paid by the county for each day public secondary school student. The governor also revealed plans to educate 120 doctors from Mombasa through the county's sponsorship program. Twelve students, two from each of the six subcounties, will be sponsored for a Bachelor of Medicine degree at the Technical University of Mombasa annually.
The governor's education program also includes feeding more than 12,600 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners daily. The county provides Sh3,200 annual capitation and learning materials for every child. Additionally, 160 ECDE teachers and daycare caregivers have been hired, and eight new ECDE centers have been constructed. The school-feeding program has increased enrollment by nearly 30 percent.
Parents have expressed relief and gratitude for the county government's support. Seraphina Awino, a parent and Changamwe resident, was delighted when her son went home with forms to fill in for the No Child Left Behind policy. Suleiman Kulonda, a Likoni resident, said he initially struggled to pay school fees but is now confident his son will complete his education. Susan David, from Chaani in Changamwe subcounty, is confident her two Form 4 candidates will perform well in the KCSE examination.
Local leaders have praised Governor Nassir's education agenda. Jomvu MP Badi Twalib said education is the greatest gift a parent and leader can offer children and the community. He called on Mombasa residents to support leaders who value their children's future. Kisauni MP Rashid Bedzimba noted that most Mombasa learners underperform academically due to hardships, including a lack of school fees.
The county government's support for education has been praised for addressing household economic stress and positioning social welfare and human capital development as central pillars of county governance. Governor Nassir's 'Elimu Kwanza' agenda aims to provide free education in Mombasa, starting with day public secondary school learners. The county government's efforts have brought relief to parents and learners, allowing them to focus on education and development.
Key points
- Mombasa County Government releases Sh213m to support 28,500 day public secondary school learners.
- Governor Nassir's education agenda aims to eventually offer free education in Mombasa.
- The county government's support has benefited 55 public schools in Mombasa, increasing enrollment and reducing economic stress for parents.
