The Mt Kenya region has been given a raw deal in the allocation of NGCDF resources, and hence limiting bursaries, despite contributing the biggest percentages in taxes, former nominated MP Lee Muchiri has said.
Muchiri lamented that the unfair distribution has affected hundreds of children from poor families as they are yet to join Form One due to lack of school fees, which could be bridged if bursaries were given in good amounts.
Speaking after aiding five children to join Form One at his Roysambu home in Nairobi, Muchiri pointed out that the current cost of education remains a significant challenge for many families, especially those at the bottom of the financial pyramid.
He noted with concern that learners in Mt Kenya region are getting bursaries as low as Ksh2,000 while other regions like the North Eastern get full scholarships.
“It’s high time our leaders revived the one man one shilling debate and champion for equitable distribution of resources. It makes no sense to give a learner bursary worth Ksh2000 whereas they are being asked to pay school fees of Ksh30,000 and above. We must demand what is rightfully ours as a region,” Muchiri said.
The former nominated MP called on well-wishers to continue supporting the education of needy children to ensure that none is left behind especially being the last cohort of the 8-4-4 system.
He at the same time raised concern over the increased tendency of men, particularly from Mt Kenya, to abandon their families in their hour of need.
He noted that most of the needy learners who are seeking help to join Form One are raised by single mothers.
“Men from Mt Kenya region must now stop being irresponsible. We cannot continue to watch families disintegrate, leaving women to carry the entire burden of educating their children,” said the former MP.
By Kamau Njoroge
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