In a bold defiance of the harsh climatic odds, Mandera County has unveiled a massive Sh450 million bursary fund to shield its student population from the ravages of poverty and drought.

Governor Mohamed Khalif, speaking at the launch of the "Elimu Kwa Wote" (Education for All) fund, framed the initiative not as charity, but as a strategic survival imperative. In a region where drought frequently wipes out livestock—the primary source of household wealth—education remains the only reliable ladder out of destitution. This injection of funds ensures that thousands of students will remain in class rather than dropping out to herd dwindling cattle.

Investing in Minds

"We are planting seeds in the minds of our children because the soil has failed us," Governor Khalif stated poignantly. The fund targets vulnerable learners in secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and universities. Special allocation has been made for girls, who often face the triple threat of early marriage, FGM, and poverty.

The impact is expected to be immediate. School principals across the county have reported alarming dropout rates as parents fail to raise fees. This bursary effectively clears the arrears for over 27,000 students, allowing schools to purchase food and learning materials. It is a stimulus package for the local education economy.

• The Numbers: Sh450 million allocated for the 2025/2026 financial year.
• The Beneficiaries: 27,073 students in tertiary institutions and 21,033 in secondary schools.
• Transparency: The funds will be disbursed directly to school accounts to prevent embezzlement, a perennial issue in county bursaries.

A Beacon of Hope

Mandera’s move challenges other marginalized counties to prioritize human capital. While infrastructure is visible, the Governor argued that "a tarmac road means nothing to an illiterate generation." By investing in brains, Mandera is preparing for a future where its youth can compete in the digital economy, regardless of the rain patterns.

For the parents of Mandera, this bursary is a prayer answered. It lifts the crushing weight of school fees and allows them to focus on feeding their families. In the parched lands of the north, this Sh450 million is the most precious rain of all.