About 105 needy learners from Kiambu county have benefited from Sh4 million in bursaries disbursed through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund scholarship programme.
The scholarships, targeting vulnerable students in high schools and universities, were issued by Kiambu Woman Representative Ann Wamuratha during an event at her office in Kirigiti, Kiambu town.
The lawmaker said the scholarship programme seeks to transform the lives of disadvantaged learners through education and urged students to remain disciplined and focused on their studies.
Wamuratha, however, challenged beneficiaries to prioritise their academic performance, warning that students who fail to show commitment to education risk losing the funding opportunity.
“We do not want to frustrate children from vulnerable families, but we must also see value for the resources being invested because many other deserving students are still waiting for support,” Wamuratha said.
The event coincided with the global observance of Mental Health Awareness Month, with Wamuratha raising concern over the growing mental health crisis in Kiambu.
She noted that cases of suicide and murder continue to rise in the county, saying many residents, especially men, are suffering silently under social and economic pressures.
The Woman Representative also distributed Sh1.1 million in grants to 10 self-help groups from Kiambu constituencies to support small businesses and economic empowerment initiatives.
The beneficiaries included eight women’s groups and two youth groups, among them a boda boda association, which received non-refundable grants to boost their start-up projects and income-generating activities.
Wamuratha urged men in the county to organise themselves into registered groups and community-based organisations to benefit from empowerment programmes and government funding opportunities.
She observed that women have been more active in seeking empowerment support, while many men continue to shy away from available grants and loans that could improve their livelihoods.
“Many men are suffering in silence, yet there are opportunities that can help uplift their economic status. They need to come together and take advantage of the available government programmes,” she said.
At the same time, the legislator expressed concern over the increasing cases of suicide and mental health challenges in the county, saying the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic continue to affect many families and individuals.
She noted that the county has recently lost senior clergy members due to mental health struggles, warning that the crisis should no longer be ignored.
Wamuratha said her office has already engaged a mental health specialist to support residents and encourage people battling emotional and psychological challenges to seek professional help.
She further announced plans to roll out a comprehensive mental health and debriefing programme in June targeting clergy, chiefs, police officers and other administrators under the National Government Administrative Officers structure.
According to the legislator, many frontline officers are exposed to traumatic incidents, including handling crime scenes and collecting bodies, but rarely receive emotional support to help them cope.
She said the planned programme will create awareness and encourage open conversations around mental health in an effort to reduce stigma and build a more resilient society.
