𝑮𝒐𝒗𝒆𝒓𝒏𝒐𝒓 𝑵𝒂𝒕𝒆𝒎𝒃𝒆𝒚𝒂 𝑪𝒍𝒆𝒂𝒓𝒔 𝑺𝒄𝒉𝒐𝒐𝒍 𝑭𝒆𝒆𝒔 𝒇𝒐𝒓 210 𝑺𝒕𝒖𝒅𝒆𝒏𝒕𝒔 𝒂𝒕 𝑴𝒖𝒖𝒏𝒈𝒂𝒏𝒐 𝑺𝒆𝒄𝒐𝒏𝒅𝒂𝒓𝒚.

Trans Nzoia Governor George Natembeya has paid school fees amounting to KSh 1,044,000 for 210 students at Muungano Secondary School in Kiminini Sub-County, vowing to combat chronic absenteeism and poor performance through his administration’s Ukombozi bursary and economic empowerment programs.

Speaking during a visit to the school on Thursday, Natembeya said financial constraints had forced many students out of class, contributing to last year’s dismal performance when 44 candidates scored an “E” grade in national examinations.

“Through the Ukombozi bursary initiative, no student will be left behind as we work to uplift the standard of education in this county,” he said.

 “We cannot allow poverty to deny our children the chance to learn and secure a better future.”

The governor, who also distributed sanitary pads, mathematical sets, and calculators to final-year students, urged learners to improve their grades. “We are providing the tools and support you need. Now, you must work hard,” he said.

CEC Education Janerose Mutama said poverty and absenteeism were the main reasons behind the school’s poor academic record, adding that last year, only one student qualified for university admission.

“Half of the candidates scored an ‘E’. Many of these students were traced to farms, working to raise school fees,” Mutama said.

“Some girls have been affected by early pregnancies, while boys are neglected and lack basic needs like clothing, which keeps them out of school.”

Mutama warned against men who exploit girls in exchange for sanitary pads and said the county government had stepped in to provide such necessities.

“We are also launching mentorship programs for school-going girls to address early pregnancies head-on,” she added.

Muungano Secondary School principal David Masai Wekesa said poverty, early pregnancies, and social issues were affecting learning.

“Currently, a number of students are pregnant, while others already have children. We have started guiding and counseling sessions to help them cope,” he said.

Governor Natembeya said the county would continue rolling out long-term solutions, including the Nawiri Fund, aimed at helping families achieve financial independence.

Senior county officials at the event included County Secretary Truphosa Amere and Director of Education Pius Munialo.