- One hundred vulnerable students from Muhoroni and Nyakach sub-counties have received bursary support through the Watoto Wasome Initiative.
- The programme has allocated Sh4.25 million to support needy learners across Kisumu County.
- Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda says the initiative aims to ensure that financial hardship does not deny children access to education.
For 100 vulnerable students from Muhoroni and Nyakach sub-counties, the burden of unpaid school fees has been eased following the disbursement of bursary cheques by the Office of Kisumu Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda.
The students are among beneficiaries of the Watoto Wasome Initiative, which has allocated Sh4.25 million to support needy learners across Kisumu County.
The latest beneficiaries include 50 students from North Nyakach Ward and 50 from Ombeyi Ward, many of whom come from families facing economic hardship.
Speaking during the bursary distribution exercise, the Senator’s Office Manager, Seth Okumu, said the programme seeks to ensure that poverty does not deny children their right to education.
“The initiative targets learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, including orphans, children living with disabilities and students from low-income households,” Okumu said.
He noted that the bursary programme fulfils a promise made by Prof. Ojienda after he visited flood-hit families in Ombeyi Ward earlier this year.
“When the Senator visited Ombeyi Ward to support families affected by floods with relief food, he pledged to install a floodlight and provide school bursaries to deserving students. That promise is becoming a reality today,” he said.
Expanding access to education
According to Okumu, the programme reflects Prof. Ojienda’s commitment to fairness, inclusivity and expanding educational opportunities for vulnerable learners.
He said the Senator believes public leadership should go beyond constitutional responsibilities by initiating programmes that directly address the social and economic needs of residents.
“Senator Ojienda believes that constitutional responsibilities alone are not enough to create a significant impact in the lives of wananchi. That is why he continuously develops programmes that directly benefit the people,” Okumu added.
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The Watoto Wasome Initiative is expected to help keep more learners in school by easing the financial burden on vulnerable families while promoting equitable access to education across Kisumu County.
By Kimutai Langat
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