25,000 Students to Benefit from Scholarships as Govt Releases Ksh.1.5B NGAAF Funds
The State Department for Gender and Affirmative Action has allocated a substantial grant of Ksh.1.5 billion to support diverse programs across the 47 counties under the mandate of the National Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF).
In a recent address, Gender and Affirmative Action Principal Secretary Anne Wang’ombe announced that the allocation, disbursed in two installments, aims to address the financial needs of students from economically disadvantaged households during the first and second quarters of the 2023/2024 Financial Year.
ALSO READ: Govt To Revamp Jomo Kenyatta Foundation (JKF) To Coordinate The Issuance Of Scholarships and Bursaries
Out of the allocated funds, Ksh.273 million will be dedicated to supporting bursaries and scholarships for 25,000 students.
Additionally, Ksh.413 million has been disbursed to assist 2,000 registered affirmative action groups, focusing on socio-economic empowerment and value addition initiatives.
Wang’ombe emphasized, “The grants are designed to increase the disposable income levels for the beneficiaries, enhancing their livelihoods through enterprise development.
Furthermore, Ksh.677 million will be allocated to countywide projects, benefitting a wide cross-section of local community residents across the 47 counties.”
The funds will also support initiatives to prevent and respond to Sexual and Gender-Based Violence, including the construction of GBV centers and gender reporting units in police stations.
The focus extends to social-cultural development, talent nurturing, and the provision of water facilities and other essential amenities.
ALSO READ: How to Apply for New Elimu HELB Scholarship, 2024
Addressing civic education, Wang’ombe noted that Ksh.137 million has been distributed to raise awareness about government programs and policies.
This includes providing information on accessing funds from NGAAF and other decentralized funds. She stated, “Civic education forums aim to ensure increased uptake of government programs and services.”
The beneficiaries of these grants are affirmative action groups that successfully applied and met eligibility criteria for funding through NGAAF County offices in the 47 counties by October 31, 2023.
The respective NGAAF County offices have already reached out to individual beneficiaries for immediate support.
ALSO READ: Gov’t Releases Ksh.14.4B For First Year Students Scholarships and Loans
25,000 Students to Benefit from Scholarships as Govt Releases Ksh.1.5B NGAAF Funds
