Governor George Natembeya on Thursday unveiled three transformative education initiatives aimed at improving the lives of thousands of students across the County.
Speaking at the launch event for the county bursary and school milk programs, Natembeya reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to education, calling it "the cornerstone of development. " The flagship Ukombozi School Milk Program is set to provide 43,336 Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) learners with milk twice weekly, funded by a Kshs 70 million allocation.
“This is more than just milk,” said Natembeya. “It’s nourishment, it’s health, and it’s an opportunity for our youngest learners to thrive both academically and physically.”
To ensure success, the county partnered with New Kenya Cooperative Creameries (New KCC) for a reliable milk supply, with the first consignment already delivered.
In addition to the milk program, the governor announced significant strides in improving school infrastructure, including the construction of 122 classrooms, 61 offices, and 28 ablution blocks for ECDE learners. An additional 28 twin classrooms are currently under construction.
For vocational training, the county has allocated Kshs 45 million in tuition support, enabling trainees to access Kshs 13,000 each, up from Kshs 2,000 in the previous years.
Natembeya also highlighted a partnership with Dutch donor group Tools to Work, which has supplied tools worth over Kshs 10 million to vocational training centers.
“These tools are modern and of high quality. Our students will now be equipped to compete in the dynamic job market,” he said, urging parents to consider vocational training as a viable alternative for their children.
The governor also announced a Kshs 36.2 million bursary disbursement for 7,191 bright but needy students in secondary, university, and tertiary institutions.
“I am deeply committed to ensuring every child in this county has a chance to succeed,” Natembeya said. “Education frees, education pays.”
Natembeya further revealed plans to establish a county university in partnership with Kibabii University, a move he described as a “milestone for higher education in Trans Nzoia.”
The launch also served as a platform to address broader development initiatives, including poverty reduction, environmental conservation, and support for small-scale farmers. Through programs like Fukuza Njaa and the Nawiri initiative, the governor pledged to uplift the livelihoods of thousands of households.
“We’re planting 11 million trees and introducing alternative livelihoods like beekeeping to conserve Cherangany and Mt. Elgon water towers,” he added, emphasizing the link between education, sustainability, and community welfare.