Dreams of some 107,907 bright students have been revived, thanks to Nairobi City County Government.
This is after it emerged that thousands of bright but needy children were failing to join Form One due to a lack of school fees.
Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja said his office had committed Sh1.025 billion to the bursaries and scholarships to see poor students through their four years of secondary education.
Sakaja said the amount was an increase from Sh640 million in the last financial year, of which 80,008 students benefited.
Out of this, Sakaja said, Sh515 million would be awarded to needy and bright students from Nairobi public primary schools admitted to national, extra county and county boarding secondary schools across the Country.
The bursaries, which have been divided into two, will see approximately 80,000 students have their school fees for the entire year paid in full, while another group of over 27,900 students will have their entire high school education paid for.
Speaking during the handing ceremony at Joe Kadenge Stadium (City Stadium) in Nairobi, Sakaja exuded optimism that the initiative would revive more students whose dreams seemed to be on the brink of collapse.
''This award is a testament to all the hard work you have put in, together with the support of your families and teachers who nurtured and guided you on your learning journey. Behind every student, there is a whole community,'' Sakaja said.
''The lack of funds to proceed to the next level is one of the things that kills the dreams and hopes of this community.''
Sakaja further said his government would ensure access to education is available to every needy child regardless of their social economic background.
''I made a commitment in my manifesto that no deserving students with financial difficulties will be excluded from the opportunity to further their pursuit of education,'' Sakaja said.
''Everyone should have access to education, as education is the key to success. I, therefore, reiterate that no effort will be spared in ensuring deserving children achieve their educational dreams,'' he said.
Among those who benefited from the scholarship include Petronilla Mbinda, a resident of Mukuru Kwa Njenga, who scored 419. Mbinda who dreams to pursue Journalism was selected to join Mbooni Girls High School.
Others are Carlos Barasa, the boy who was captured in a funeral in Busia crying for help from Sakaja after scoring 354 marks.
Jessica Murugi, from Kayole who used to join her mother in washing clothes in Komarock and Jacaranda estates, will now join Buruburu Girls' High School through all four years of secondary education.
