Today, Kitui County Woman Representative and 2027 Gubernatorial aspirant, Hon. Dr. Irene Kasalu, graced a fundraising event at Mui Vocational Training Centre in Mui Ward, Mwingi Central Constituency. The harambee was organized to support the construction of a new girls’ dormitory to replace the existing dilapidated facility, in line with her consistent efforts to improve learning across Kitui County.

Since assuming office in 2017, Hon. Kasalu has made education her top priority. Through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), she has offered full sponsorships to needy students across public schools in Kitui, enabling them to join secondary schools without the burden of fees.

Speaking earlier this week during an interview on Athiani FM, Hon. Dr. Irene Kasalu emphasized the need to streamline education funding by consolidating allocations from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), NGAAF, County Government bursaries, and Presidential Bursaries. She proposed that the funds be channeled directly to schools, ensuring equitable access and relieving parents of the heavy financial responsibility. “Education is the greatest equalizer. The money is already budgeted, the issue is commitment and prioritization. If we channel all education allocations directly to schools, no parent will carry the burden of fees and no child will be left behind,” she said.

Speaking during the fundraiser, Hon. Dr. Irene Kasalu passionately reaffirmed her bid for the 2027 gubernatorial seat, expressing confidence that the people of Kitui will elect her as the county’s third governor. She cited her track record as Woman Representative, where she has championed education, women’s empowerment, and youth development through impactful leadership. “The people of Kitui have placed their trust in me, and I’m confident that in 2027 I will serve them as the Governor of this great County,” she noted.

Beyond secondary school sponsorships, Hon. Irene Kasalu has also extended her support to Vocational Training Centres (VTCs) such as Mui VTC, where today’s harambee was held. She has sponsored hundreds of young people to pursue practical skills in areas such as plumbing, dressmaking, salon work, and electrical installation. To empower them further, she provides start-up equipment upon graduation, enabling them to establish businesses and become self-reliant.

READ ALSO: Hon. Irene Kasalu Explains Why She Has Prioritized Education Through NGAAF Kitty in Kitui County

Her commitment to uplifting girls has also been demonstrated through her “Girls of Hope” programme, which focuses on reinstating girls and young mothers who dropped out of school due to early pregnancies or other challenges. To date, over 200 girls have returned to classrooms and are pursuing their education through this initiative.

In addition, Hon. Kasalu has fully sponsored more than 21 P1 teachers, who are now serving in various schools across Kitui County, employed by the Teachers Service Commission (TSC), a testament to her long-term vision of investing in human capital.

Through these initiatives, Dr. Irene Kasalu continues to prove that her vision for Kitui is rooted in empowering young people through education, laying a solid foundation for both personal growth and countywide development.

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