Hundreds of parents, students, teachers and local administrators on Wednesday May 6, gathered at HGM Ting’ang’a Secondary School and DEB Ting’ang’a Secondary School as Kiambu Town Member of Parliament (MP) Machua Waithaka reaffirmed his commitment to free day secondary education and expanded bursary support across the constituency.
Speaking during the presentation of Free Day Secondary School cheques, the legislator declared that no student attending a day secondary school in Kiambu Constituency should pay school fees, insisting that education must remain accessible to every child regardless of economic background.
Waithaka said constituency leadership had intensified efforts to eliminate financial barriers that previously kept many learners out of school. He urged parents, chiefs and education stakeholders to identify children who had dropped out and ensure they returned to class.
“No child should be left behind. Education is now truly free in our day secondary schools, and our responsibility is to ensure every child gets the opportunity to learn,” he said.
The MP praised parents for supporting their children and challenged students to remain disciplined and focused on their studies. He noted that with school fees and uniforms being supported through constituency initiatives, learners now had an even greater responsibility to excel academically.
During the event, Waithaka also acknowledged the role played by local administrators and teachers in advancing development and education programmes in Ting’ang’a and surrounding areas. He paid tribute to Senior Chief Mr. Njihia for his dedication to public service, describing him as a committed administrator who had sacrificed greatly while serving residents.
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The lawmaker highlighted the significant growth of the constituency bursary programme over the past four years, noting that both the number of beneficiaries and funding allocations had steadily increased.
According to Waithaka, the constituency distributed Ksh32 million in bursaries to approximately 7,000 beneficiaries during the programme’s first year. The allocation later rose to Ksh52.5 million, supporting more than 9,000 learners, before increasing to Ksh60 million for 11,000 beneficiaries last year.
This year, he announced, the constituency had allocated a record Ksh64 million, benefiting about 13,400 parents and students.
“We continue breaking records because education is a priority. We want every child to remain in school and pursue their dreams,” he said.
The MP further outlined several infrastructure projects being implemented in schools across the constituency. At HGM Ting’ang’a Secondary School, he said construction and renovation works were ongoing, including classroom improvements, painting, tiling and expansion of facilities.
He also revealed plans to modernise the nearby model school by demolishing outdated structures and replacing them with modern classrooms, perimeter walls, gates and paved compounds.
Waithaka added that future proposals would include the installation of computers, solar power systems and other learning facilities aimed at improving the quality of education.
Beyond formal education, the legislator said the constituency was investing heavily in vocational training and short courses for young people who may not proceed to university.
He encouraged youth to enrol in programmes such as plumbing, electrical installation, catering, beauty therapy and other technical courses offered through constituency offices and Jitume Digital Centres.
“Not everyone will go to university, but everyone deserves an opportunity to succeed. Those who pursue technical skills can still build successful careers and support their families,” he said.
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Waithaka also spoke about digital job opportunities being introduced through Information Technology Centres, where young people are being trained to undertake online logistics and digital support work linked to international markets.
On infrastructure development, the MP cited progress in road construction projects within Ting’ang’a and surrounding areas, including ongoing tarmacking works and plans to expand access roads. He further promised additional street-lighting projects in areas yet to benefit from the programme.
The event was attended by HGM Ting’ang’a Secondary School Principal Lawrence Mungai, DEB Ting’ang’a Secondary School Principal Charles Muriithi, teachers, parents, students and local administrators.
In a gesture aimed at motivating learners, the MP also announced educational visits to Parliament for Form Four students from the two schools, saying the exposure would inspire them to pursue leadership and national service.
Parents and teachers welcomed the free day secondary school initiative, describing it as a major relief amid rising living costs and economic hardships affecting many households.
The programme has become one of the flagship education initiatives in Kiambu Constituency under Waithaka’s “Yangu Ni Kazi Tu” development agenda, which focuses on education, infrastructure, youth empowerment and social development.
By Felix Wanderi
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