Mandera county unveils scholarships targeting 30 students joining Turkish universities
The county government of Mandera has unveiled a scholarship program that will enable 30 students from the area study at Turkish universities.
Mandera Education County Executive Committee (CEC) Bashir Ibrahim Alio said the plan, worth Sh30 million, will finance a chunk of the students’ needs (80 per cent) during the duration of their study in Turkey.
He said they will be targeting those who scored B (plain) and above in their Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education exams for the program.
“We will consider learners from all clans in Mandera for the scholarship, with priority being given to those who scored B (plain) and above.” Alio explained.
Area governor Mohamed Adan Khalif said his administration will specifically sponsor students who will pursue medical and engineering courses under the arrangement.
The governor said the partial scholarship, with the students expected to travel before the end of this year, will cater for tuition fees while parents will be expected to pay for visas and air tickets for their children who qualify for the sponsorship.
The Elimu kwa Wote program is meant to assist the students who will in return offer free services to residents of Mandera, for the first two years, upon completion of their studies, CEC Alio added.
Under the Mandera County government scholarship program, eleven girls are expected to complete their studies in Turkey at the end of this year, said the county official, adding that they will be expected back home to offer free services for people of Mandera for the first two years.
Stakeholders have lauded the plan calling for more support for the efforts by the county government to enhance access to quality university education.
Area governor Mohamed Kalif said his administration will specifically sponsor students who will pursue medical and engineering courses under the arrangement.
The governor said the partial scholarship, with the students expected to travel before the end of this year, will cater for tuition fees while parents will be expected to pay for visas and air tickets for their children who qualify for the sponsorship.
