Murang’a County government plan to uplift education standards

By BONIFACE GIKANDI

Murang’a County: The Murang’a County government has initiated a programme aimed at reviving educational standards in the region following decades of poor performance.

The initiative christened ‘Murang’a Child Can’ is poised to attract volunteer mentors from various sectors as a vehicle aimed at reclaiming the lost academic glory that the region was famous for between 1980s and 90s, where thousands of students got admission into universities.

On Sunday, Murang’a Governor Mr Mwangi Wa Iria said the programme has attracted 1,200 volunteer mentors who have shown interest in taking up responsibilities in the 560 primary schools spread in all the eight sub-counties.

Through the initiative, the county government has allocated Sh70 million this financial year to support bursaries and scholarships within the eight sub-counties.

Wa Iria and his county executive for education, information and technology Mr David Waweru said the kitty will be allocated more funds in the future as the demand for support rises.

“The initiative is expected to receive additional funds over the years. As demand rises, we shall channel close to Sh1 million in support of education for our poor but bright children in the county,” said the Governor in a telephone interview with The Standard.

Between July and August, the county government facilitated access to internal examinations for upper primary school classes as a strategy to promote standardised examination for all pupils.

High quality

The governor said the internal examination has been facilitated through partnership between the county government and the county education officers.

“Pupils in the 560 primary schools enrolled in the upper classes (Standard Six, Seven and Eight) sat for a common examination which examiners described as of high quality. The county government is looking forward to make available internal examinations to all pupils in primary schools,” he said.