Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya has come to the aid of an orphan whose dream to join St. Brigid’s National School in Kiminini was in limbo after her remarkable performance in the Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education. Esther Naliaka (l) and Trans Nzoia governor George Natembeya during national tree planting day (r). In February, the first-time governor said his administration had allocated KSh 125 million for schooling needy students (KSh 100 million for the bursary and KSh 25 million for the scholarship programme). What did Natembeya promise? Natembeya promised to fully support Esther Naliaka as she continues her studies at the prestigious school. Si mnajua huyu mtoto, Esther Naliaka? Wanajiweza? Mama hayuko,sindio. Sasa huyu mtoto naenda kumfundisha kuanzia Form Ine mpaka…an ameitwa national school inaitwa St. Brigid. Sasa huyu pocket money, shopping, kila kitu, nini…(You know its girl, Esther Naliaka? Are they capable? Her mother passed away, right? So, I will educate her from Form One. And she has been called to enrol at St. Brigid National School. I will also take care of her full responsibilities, including pocket money, shopping, and everything),” pledged Natembeya. Alongside his commitment, the former Rift Valley regional commissioner set a condition for Naliaka: She must be prepared to showcase impressive results. “Ila mimi nataka akitoka shule kila term report imeandikwa As. anapita mtihani. Lakini kuwa namba mzembe out of namba mzembe hiyo apana. (What I want to see at the end of every term is strong As, not coming bottom in her class),” he requested. The future of the girl after completing her fourth year and the continuation of her sponsorship is uncertain, as the county boss did not address this in his speech. Natembeya promises viral KMTC student job The former police officer’s kind gesture has earned admiration from many, as he has worked to dispel misconceptions about police officers. In November 2022, the compassionate county boss warmed the hearts of many Kenyans when he met Elizabeth Robai, a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) student who went viral for helping a recuperating baby recover through her dances and songs. The governor announced his commitment to covering her outstanding school fees, securing an internship for her, and ultimately facilitating her enrollment in a paediatric nursing programme. “This evening, I hosted paediatric nurse Elizabeth Robai Lukelesia, a Kenya Medical Training College (KMTC) student caught in a viral clip entertaining a recuperating child at Kitale Level IV Hospital, Ward 8,” confirmed the governor. “I have pledged to offset her tuition fees for the remaining period of her studies, further ensure she gets an internship, and finally be absorbed to serve as a paediatric nurse. Congratulations, Elizabeth Robai; your effort and dedication have paid off,” he added.
by Nancy Odindo