CS Machogu asks leaders to harmonize NGCDF bursaries
CS Machogu has asked parliament and county assemblies to harmonize disbursement of bursary funds to enable learners complete their education.
The CS said elected leaders who get the funds from the exchequer can agree on beneficiaries to foster transparency in the disbursements.
“Some elected leaders can award bursaries to learners from poor families in secondary school, while others can give those in tertiary institutions and universities,” he said.
“Local leaders can start a scheme to support orphaned children and those from impoverished families,” Machogu added.
He was at the Gusii Stadium after he graced the launch of Elimu na Simba scholarship, which was initiated by the county governor Simba Arati. 110 learners who scored over 350 marks in KCPE were awarded full four-year scholarships.
Arati, flanked by his deputy Dr Robert Monda, said he will, together with his officers, sponsor 500 learners from poor families.
He was giving an example of elected leaders in Marsabit County, who had launched an education scheme to benefit learners from poor families.
The CS, who sponsored 20 learners from poor families through Kenya Commercial Bank (KCB), asked chiefs and education officers to mop up all children who have not gone to school in their transitions to move on to their next classes.
96 per cent of grade six learners have joined Junior Secondary School (JSS) in the country; while 91 per cent have joined form one. The government, he said, will channel Ksh15,000 to each one of them in the JSS.
Machogu, accompanied by Kisii County Director of Education (CDE) Philip Chirchir, was speaking at Kereri Girls Secondary School, where he was monitoring enrollment.
Kisii County Woman Representative Dorice Donya Aburi said she will give priority to orphans and children living with disabilities in the disbursement of the bursary.
“We have received more than a thousand applicants for the bursary and the committee will give only the deserving children,” she said.
She urged those who will not benefit from the NGAAF kitty to also apply for the bursary in their constituencies and Wards.
Governor Arati said the county government has allocated Ksh135 million for bursaries this year, and will increase it to Ksh225 in the next financial year.
By Emmanuel Gwakoi
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