Some 2,600 university and college students from Kisumu West constituency have received a major boost after receiving bursary support worth Sh26.4 million, easing the financial burden of pursuing higher education courtesy of area Member of Parliament Roas Buyu.
The funds, disbursed under the Bursary Mashinani programme, target vulnerable students to ensure they not only remain in school but also complete their studies successfully.
The colourful event brought together parents, teachers, administrators, religious leaders and beneficiaries, underscoring the community’s collective commitment to education.
Alongside celebrating access to education, leaders also used the platform to sensitise young people about the growing threats of femicide, teenage pregnancies and gender-based violence.
Homa Bay Governor Gladys Wanga said education and social protection must go hand in hand.
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“Today, many students who previously lacked support will now attend school through the Gifted and Lifted programme. Its impact will be massive in Kisumu West for years to come, shaping the next generation of doctors, engineers and other professionals,” she said.
Wanga further challenged students to pair academic excellence with discipline and character.
“Education is not just about grades but about attitude. Even with a first-class honours degree, a bad attitude, laziness, or a lack of respect towards parents, teachers, or employers will hinder progress. Parents, too, must seize the opportunity to guide their children and address issues within households,” she said.
Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu echoed the call, linking education with the urgent need to address what she termed the “triple threat” facing Nyanza: teenage pregnancies, new HIV infections and gender-based violence.
“We appealed to the President for support in advocacy and sensitisation because the fight against the triple threat requires everyone—parents, teachers, chiefs, religious leaders and the community. Silence only fuels femicide and violence. We say today, no more silence,” she said.
Earlier this year, Sh54 million was disbursed under the same bursary initiative to support secondary school students.
The ceremony concluded with a symbolic lap of commitment led by students and leaders, chanting “No more silence, no more violence”—a pledge to fight femicide while safeguarding education as a foundation for the future.
By Fredrick Odiero
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