Teso North Constituency has recorded a historic milestone following the disbursement of Ksh79 million in education bursaries, benefiting thousands of learners across the region in one of the most expansive support programs in recent years.
Area Member of Parliament (MP) Oku Kaunya on Monday presided over the issuance of bursary cheques at St Joseph’s Kocholia High School and Albert Ekirapa Secondary School, where 9,400 students drawn from Kamolo, Amagoro, Angurai, and Changara divisions received financial support.
Out of the total allocation, Ksh40 million was directed to secondary school students, each receiving Ksh5,000, while 60 learners in national schools are currently on full scholarships.
The lawmaker added that the constituency has also prioritized vulnerable groups, with orphans and destitute students earmarked for full sponsorship upgrades. Kaunya further unveiled plans to expand scholarship opportunities into specialized professional fields such as medicine, engineering, and law, signaling a shift toward long-term human capital development.
In a notable highlight, the NG-CDF program has ventured into aviation training, sponsoring two students—Alex Oluka and Yvonne Duwa—through private and commercial pilot training at a cost of Ksh10 million each. The duo is now set to undertake multi-engine certification before qualifying to operate commercial aircraft.
Additionally, 400 students from the constituency enrolled at the Kenya Medical Training College have so far benefited from full scholarships under the NG-CDF initiative.
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Kaunya lauded improved academic performance across local institutions, singling out Salvation Army Kolanya Girls National School for its exemplary results, alongside emerging performers such as St Peters Katanyu Secondary School and St Jude Onyunyur Secondary School.
For the first time, 868 students from Teso North qualified for university admission, with leaders setting an ambitious target of surpassing 1,000 qualifiers in the next academic cycle.
The MP urged school principals to refrain from sending students home over unpaid fees, emphasizing that increased contact time plays a critical role in improving academic outcomes. He encouraged institutions to embrace alternative forms of fee payment, including foodstuffs, livestock, and building materials.
With poverty levels in the sub-county estimated at 64 percent, the legislator underscored the need for inclusive access to education as a pathway to social and economic transformation.
He added that plans are underway to construct a new dormitory at St Joseph’s Kocholia Secondary School, while St Peters Katanyu and St Benedict Kakurikit Secondary School are set to receive school buses. The constituency is also considering introducing an annual Education Day to reward academic excellence and motivate learners.
Education stakeholders and administrators present lauded the timely disbursement of bursaries. KESSHA Chairman Johannes Ayungo praised the early release of funds, noting it breaks a three-year trend of delays. Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Kitai assured transparency and fairness in beneficiary selection, while education official Vincent Ouma described the funds as a major relief to parents.
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Malaba South MCA Bonface Mamai observed that delays in county bursary disbursements have placed additional pressure on Members of Parliament, expressing hope that county support will resume after a prolonged impasse with the Controller of Budget. Other leaders present included Deputy OCPD Chris Bahati Ojwang, Assistant County Commissioner Mercy Ndungire, and Bishop Joel Imaidoi of the Independent Presbyterian Church.
Beyond bursaries, Kaunya announced an upcoming national identification registration drive targeting youth and women facing documentation challenges, alongside a call for residents to register as voters.
The Ksh79 million bursary rollout marks a transformative investment in education in Teso North, expanding access, improving academic performance, and opening pathways for students to pursue ambitious careers both locally and internationally.
By Godfrey Wamalwa
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