- A total of 7,500 students in Gatundu South have benefited from Sh64 million in NG-CDF bursaries.
- The funds will help parents struggling to raise second-term school fees amid the high cost of living.
- MP Gabriel Kagombe said all applicants benefited through a transparent and inclusive process.
By John Kamau
Some 7,500 students in Gatundu South have benefited from Sh64 million in bursaries disbursed through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF).
The funds come as a relief to cash-strapped parents struggling to raise second-term school fees amid the prevailing economic challenges.
Speaking during the disbursement of bursary cheques in Gatundu Town, area MP Gabriel Kagombe said all learners who applied for the bursaries had benefited, adding that the process was transparent and no deserving student had been left out.
Transparency in Bursary Allocation
“For the first time, Gatundu South learners have received bursaries in the most transparent manner. Previously, we heard of cases where corrupt officials sold bursary forms in secrecy, locking out deserving needy students. We have streamlined the process,” said Kagombe.
Students in universities, colleges and other tertiary institutions also benefited from the bursary programme.
Youths Receive Skills Training Certificates
More than 1,200 youths sponsored by the NG-CDF to undertake short technical courses also received certificates after successfully completing their training.
The courses included bakery, fashion and design, beauty therapy and driving, among others.
Kagombe described the programme as a game changer in addressing youth unemployment in the constituency.
“We believe that by equipping our youth with relevant technical skills, we have empowered them to start income-generating activities and improved their chances of securing employment,” he said.
Plan to Reduce School Fees Burden
The MP revealed that the constituency has developed a strategy aimed at reducing the financial burden on parents with children in day secondary schools.
According to Kagombe, the NG-CDF will complement school funding, including support for student meals.
“We are working on a strategy that will see the burden of paying school fees significantly reduced for parents. We believe this will improve access to education and enhance academic performance in our schools,” he said.
He noted that the initiative would enable students to remain in school and focus on their studies, ultimately improving academic outcomes across the constituency.
Kagombe said the constituency has implemented several projects aimed at improving education standards, including refurbishment of schools, construction of classrooms and upgrading of laboratories.
Parents Welcome the Initiative
Parents who benefited from the bursary programme described the support as a major relief during difficult economic times.
“Even putting food on the table has become difficult. Things are tough for many of us and we are grateful for the support we have received,” said Susan Wanjiku, a parent.
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The parents also called on the government to implement measures aimed at reducing the cost of living and improving the welfare of Kenyan households.
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