The Kitui County Woman Representative and 2027 gubernatorial aspirant, Hon. Dr. Irene Kasalu, has consistently placed education at the heart of her leadership agenda since assuming office in 2017. Through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) kitty, she has spearheaded numerous initiatives that have transformed the lives of hundreds of young people in Kitui County.

Speaking during a live interview on Wednesday morning at Athiani FM’s Breakfast Show, Hon. Irene Kasalu underscored education as her number one priority. She noted that her NGAAF kitty has been a powerful tool in supporting needy learners across the county. “Education is the biggest equaliser, that is why I have prioritized using my kitty to support the education of our young people in Kitui giving them the tools to build a brighter future for themselves and our community,” said Dr. Kasalu.

She further disclosed that the first group of students who got full scholarship to join public secondary schools in 2021 have completed secondary school, with the majority now preparing to join institutions of higher learning. “The first group of students I fully sponsored through the NGAAF kitty has already completed their KCSE, and I’m proud that most of them have qualified to join universities.”

Hon. Irene Kasalu NGAAF programmes go beyond traditional scholarships. She has introduced a technical training initiative that sponsors students in various Vocational Training Colleges (VTCs), where they pursue NITA-certified courses such as plumbing, electrical installation, hairdressing, and dressmaking. Upon graduation, the beneficiaries receive startup equipment to help them establish businesses and earn a livelihood.

“When these young people complete their training, we don’t just send them away with certificates. We also equip them with startup tools so that they can immediately begin working and earning a living. That way, we fight poverty through skills and self-reliance,” she explained.

Additionally, Hon. Kasalu has fully sponsored more than 21 P1 teachers from needy backgrounds. Today, these teachers are employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC) and are serving in schools across Kitui, a testament to her long-term vision of investing in human capital.

YOU MISSED: BREAKING: Kitui University and College Student Leaders Endorse Hon. Dr. Irene Kasalu for 2027 Governor

Her passion for education has also extended to vulnerable groups through the “Girls of Hope” programme, which integrates girls who dropout of school especially teenage mothers back into education. So far, over 200 girls have benefited from this initiative, giving them a second chance to pursue their dreams. “I know the pain many girls face when they drop out due to early pregnancies. That’s why I started Girls of Hope to give them dignity, confidence, and a chance to rebuild their future,” said Dr. Kasalu.

Dr. Kasalu explained that her relentless focus on education stems from Kitui’s unique socio-economic realities: “As you know, Kitui is a dry county. We don’t grow tea or coffee. The only true equaliser we can offer to our young people is education. That is why I have prioritized education throughout my tenure as Woman Representative.”

As Hon. Irene Kasalu eyes the Kitui governorship in 2027, Hon. Irene Kasalu’s legacy is already firmly anchored in her transformative education programmes. By leveraging her NGAAF kitty, she has not only broken barriers for countless students but also set a foundation for a brighter and more self-reliant Kitui.

Ends///