MP champions technical education, disburses Ksh71 million NG-CDF bursary

Matayos Constituency Member of Parliament (MP) Geoffrey Odanga has called on parents, students, and the wider community to embrace technical and vocational education, saying it holds the key to unlocking employment opportunities and equipping young people with practical skills for the future.

Speaking at St Mary’s Burumba Secondary School during the issuance of bursary cheques worth Ksh71 million to secondary school students in his constituency on Tuesday, Odanga emphasised the importance of shifting mindsets towards technical training.

He noted that such institutions offer a wide range of skill-based programmes that prepare learners for both formal employment and self-employment.

“Technical education is the way to go and the future of our country lies in it. We must change our attitude and understand that there are employment opportunities after undertaking such training. Students who complete Form Four and do not proceed to university should not be discouraged. They can still build successful careers through technical skills,” he said.

The lawmaker further urged parents to consider enrolling their children at Dr. Daniel Wako Murende Technical and Vocational College, describing it as a key institution in the sub-county that is already transforming lives, adding that the college has a population of nearly 2,000 students, with about 1,300 coming from Matayos constituency.

ALSO READ:

TSC warns over 43,000 intern teachers face uncertainty after court declares programme illegal

Odanga further revealed that there is an ongoing partnership between the NG-CDF and KCB Foundation aimed at supporting students through a matching fund programme, where 100 students are expected to benefit, with each party contributing equally.

“We have so far on boarded 64 students, and we are still calling on others to apply. The training takes nine months, and upon completion, beneficiaries are provided with tools to help them start their own work,” he added.

At the same time, Odanga cautioned school administrators against sending students’ home due to school fees, stressing that the bursary funds were meant to ease the financial burden on parents and ensure continuity in learning.

“The challenges you have been facing as teachers and administrators have now been addressed. I urge you to keep students in school so that they can concentrate on their studies. Let us minimise cases of sending children home,” he said. Adding that secondary school beneficiaries had received Ksh5,000 each.

The MP areiterated his commitment to improving infrastructure in learning institutions across the constituency to create a conducive environment for academic excellence.

ALSO READ:

Teacher unions, community call for quick justice as slain Kirinyaga JSS teacher laid to rest

He announced that Ksh28 million has been approved for the completion of a tuition storey building at St Mary’s Burumba Secondary School, a project that was initially started by parents and the community.

“Additionally, Ksh7.5 million has been allocated for the completion of a multipurpose hall at Mundika Boys High School, while Ksh6.3 million has been set aside for the completion of an administration block at Lwanya National School,” he added.

On matters of security, Odanga called on security agencies to step up their efforts in addressing insecurity in the area.

He expressed concern over delayed responses and alleged laxity among some officers, warning that action would be taken against those not performing their duties effectively.

“Your responsibility is to provide security to residents. We will not tolerate officers who have stayed in one station for years without delivering results. We cannot continue losing lives when we have security personnel in place,” he said.

School heads who attended the event welcomed the bursary allocation, noting that it would significantly ease financial pressure on parents and help keep students in school.

By Our reporter