By John Majau
Igembe South Member of Parliament John Paul Mwirigi has called on the National Treasury to increase the NG-CDF allocation so as to boost the bursary kitty and ensure that needy students benefit.
Speaking at Igembe Boys high school where over 12,000 needy students turned up to pick bursary forms, the MP added that the treasury should increase the CDF allocation to Shs 200 million.
‘The current allocation isn’t enough hence needy students end up getting a small fraction of the amounts they require.’ He added.
He expressed optimism that fellow legislators would support his bid so that bursary kits get more allocations.
‘There are so many students seeking bursaries since most families relied on miraa whose market had significantly shrunk following the ban in Somalia. The effects of the Covid-19 pandemic also drove many families to poverty,’ he explained.
He promised that everyone who filled the forms would get some money and that they would write cheques for the successful applicants when they get the money.
“We acted with urgency since it is easier to get the students when they are at home than when they are in school,” he said.
The MP announced plans to develop a database on what the youth in the area have studied so as to help the youth secure jobs. He promised to set up a website with the details of every young professional so as to push for jobs.
Mr Mwirigi also complained that Igembe South constituency lagged behind in government employment yet many locals have good certificates.
He expressed pride in pushing for the opening of Igembe University campus, KMTC Maua campus and various vocational training centres. However, he called for the establishment of more universities in the area.
