TWENTY FOUR students from Elgeyo Marakwet will travel to Australia for further studies.
Governor Wisley Rotich while flagging off the students in his office on Friday said more than 100 students from the county will be flying to study in the United States of America and Canada.
He said he had negotiated with colleges for subsidised fees.
Rotich further said demand for financial statements had locked out students who wanted to fly abroad for studies.
“I have managed to make it easier for our students to go for studies abroad. One key element that also denied me this opportunity was demand for a financial statements. Some of my parents don’t even have bank accounts,” he said.
The county boss also urged the students to exercise caution while in their new environment, warning them not to be taken away by the new lifestyle they are accustomed to.
The move was welcomed by residents who termed the process transparent and accommodative.
Stephen Kiplal whose wife is among the beneficiaries said he was happy that the process was smooth with no hindrance.
“When I heard about the program, I said to my wife why don’t you try, she did so and she was picked. I would like to thank the governor for giving us such an opportunity,” said Kiplal.
Alfred Koech-Sergent, an Australia based athlete and coach said the process taken by the governor was exemplary.
“Elgeyo Marakwet got it right by talking directly to the universities. Their governor got it right,” he said.
The cost of the program ranges from Ksh600,000 per a semester depending on the courses applied for and the college.
