Fredrick Odiero
KISUMU Central has so far disbursed Sh22 million in bursaries to over 4000 needy students in recent days.
Area Member of Parliament Fred Ouda has said the students who benefited are from both secondary schools and colleges in Kisumu Central constituency.
The presentation ceremony was conducted in the boardroom of the Kisumu Central sub county assistant commissioner John Cheruiyot due to Covid-9 restrictions.
The cheques were later issued to respective ward offices by staff at the MP’s office.
Ouda said his priority was to ensure needy students were supported to access education for the growth of the nation.
He said was a beneficiary of bursary from a well-wisher.
The MP said he values education so much and helping the needy students to pursue education is the best he loves to do.
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” I know this because I’ve been in the same situation when an MP from Nakuru paid my fees when I lacked money to join secondary school,” he said.
He urged the students to work hard to excel in their studies.
Last year the MP launched a second scholarship programme where 40 needy but bright students were given a four-year scholarship with each getting Sh 54,000 to study in secondary schools.
Ouda said he will continue to supplement secondary education through his own scholarship and the government funded bursary through CDF.
He said he will try to ensure that needy students from the constituency will get support from the bursary kitty of the constituency.
The MP said every ward within Kisumu Central Constituency has about 800 students who have benefitted from the bursary kitty.
“I want to ensure that needy students from this constituency will benefit from the bursary so that they pursue their education,” he said
Ouda said he intends to increase the bursary allocation to students who will benefit from the kitty.
The MP also said he has in recent times put a total of 96 students on scholarship and he pays their fees from his pocket.
He said he sponsors the students in form one at a cost of Sh3.2 million.
“Education being my first priority, we need to stress on the need for all to receive it as a form of empowerment. If you don’t invest in education then your children are doomed,” he said.
The MP said he will also embark on improving the infrastructure in public schools within the constituency during his tenure as the area Member of Parliament.
He said there are many bright but needy students who must be assisted to further their education at all costs.
Ouda said he will try and empower the youth by trying to open up business for them so that they have something to do to earn a living.
“I will try to offer employment to our youth so that they get something in the long run,” he adds.
The MP also supported students from driving schools which were given to students who finished high school.Motor cycle riders are also trained to help curb rampant accidents on the roads.
A total of over 700 benefited from the driving school venture.
The MP said he will also embark on improving the infrastructure in public schools within the constituency.
Ouda said he will try and empower the youth by trying to open up business for them so that they have something to do to earn a living.
“I will try to offer employment to our youth so that they get something in the long run,” he adds.
