More than 13,000 students across the Kiambu Town constituency have received academic boost after the area Member of Parliament (MP) Machua Waithaka disbursed Ksh64.7 million in bursaries to support to improving access to education in the area.
The bursary issuance exercise, held at Ndumberi Sports Ground on Friday, April 24, benefited 13,141 learners drawn from different wards within Kiambu Town Constituency.
The allocation represents an increase from last year’s Ksh60 million, which supported about 11,000 students.
Speaking during the event, Waithaka said the bursary programme has undergone reforms to ensure a transparent, free, and fair process for all eligible applicants.
He noted that the initiative is designed to ensure that no student is forced to drop out of school due to lack of fees.
“This year, we have disbursed over Ksh64 million to more than 13,000 beneficiaries. Our goal is to ensure that no student is left behind due to financial challenges,” he said.
The legislator also highlighted improvements in the bursary application process, noting that it now takes approximately 30 minutes to complete. This, he said, has reduced long queues and waiting times, allowing applicants to resume their daily activities more quickly.
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In addition to bursary support, Waithaka pointed to ongoing efforts to ease the overall cost of education in the constituency. He cited the introduction of a free day secondary school programme launched last year, aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents.
“I know parents are still being asked to pay for remedial classes, desks, and other related costs, but we are working towards a plan where every pupil, from Grade One to Form Four, will not be charged anything,” he said.
The MP also outlined infrastructure development projects in local schools, including renovations and improvements at Ndumberi Primary School, Karunga Primary School, Kangoya Primary School, Kiu River Primary School, Riabai Primary School, Ting’ang’a Model School, and Riara Primary and Secondary School, among others.
He reaffirmed his commitment to strengthening the education sector, noting that investments in school infrastructure and financial support programmes remain a key priority.
“Our leadership remains focused on advancing education and ensuring every learner has the opportunity to succeed,” he said.
By Juma Ndigo
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