Kitui County Woman Representative, Hon. Dr. Irene Kasalu, on Tuesday officially launched the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) scholarships targeting students in Grades 10 to 12, in a move aimed at boosting access to secondary education for needy and deserving learners where over 61 kids benefited
The scholarship programme, implemented through NGAAF in collaboration with the Office of the Woman Representative – Kitui County, seeks to support students from vulnerable backgrounds to remain in school and complete their secondary education without interruption.
The launch event was held on 3rd February 2026 at the Kitui Multi-Purpose Hall, drawing parents, students, school administrators, and education stakeholders from across the county. The event marked a major milestone in efforts to address school dropout rates linked to financial challenges.
According to the programme organizers, the initiative specifically targets learners in Grades 10, 11, and 12, a critical stage where many students are at risk of dropping out due to rising school fees and household economic pressures.
Speaking during the launch, Dr. Kasalu reiterated her commitment to education as a key pillar of social and economic development. She noted that empowering students through education remains one of the most effective ways of breaking the cycle of poverty in Kitui County.
The programme is guided by the theme “Empowering Students Through Education,” reflecting NGAAF’s broader mandate of uplifting vulnerable groups through targeted support in education, economic empowerment, and social development.
Dr. Kasalu emphasized that the scholarships will help ease the financial burden on parents and guardians, allowing students to concentrate on their studies and achieve their academic goals without the stress of school fee arrears.
She further highlighted that education remains a personal priority in her leadership agenda, adding that investing in young people is an investment in the future leadership and prosperity of Kitui County.
The Woman Representative, who is among leaders who have declared interest in contesting the Kitui gubernatorial seat in 2027, said such initiatives demonstrate her commitment to inclusive development and people-centered leadership.
Parents, students, and school administrators were encouraged to engage with the NGAAF offices and the Office of the Woman Representative to learn more about the application process, eligibility criteria, and timelines, as the programme rolls out across the county, according to TCD Digital reports.
