The Kapenguria National Government Constituency Development Fund has released Sh31.6 million for bursaries to sponsor bright students attending secondary and tertiary institutions across the country.
The bursary disbursement benefitted 6337 students from the Kapenguria constituency, each of whom received a bursary of Sh5000 for school or college fees.
A total of 22,731 students from the constituency applied for bursaries this year, of whom 6337 were selected as the most vulnerable.
College and university students got Sh6,585,000 from the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF), while secondary students got Sh25.1 million.
The cheques and lists of students who got bursary funding were given to the principals of the schools and colleges.
Speaking during the disbursement of bursary funds at the Kapenguria NGCDF Offices, area MP Samuel Moroto said that the bursary money will help students who need financial support to stay in school.
While acknowledging that not all students who applied for financial support for their education may have received it, Mr. Moroto expressed hope that his administration would find other ways to help all students who are struggling financially so they can continue their education.
He called on the school principals to use the bursary prudently for the benefit of the students, promising them more government support for the education sector.
Moroto also called on school principals to negotiate with parents rather than chase students out of school for not paying their fees.
He said that students should reciprocate the gesture by focusing on their studies and producing good results for a promising future.
The MP also urged parents to be serious about their children’s education and give them the best opportunities.
He told the residents the government has a well-thought-out plan to improve infrastructure in all schools across the constituency.
Kapenguria ward Member of the County Assembly (MCA), Richard Mastaluk, urged parents to stay closer to their children to ensure they don’t indulge in unproductive activities, including drug abuse and early pregnancies.
MCA Mastaluk also called on parents and education stakeholders to collaborate in order to improve the quality of education in the region.
West Pokot Woman Representative Member of Parliament (MP) Rael Aleutum urged Kenyans to give the Kenya Kwanza administration time to fulfil their campaign promises.
Aleutum also urged the local population to abstain from early campaigning and wait until the 2027 general elections, as it was too soon to begin campaigning for a candidate.
West Pokot Sub County Assistant County Commissioner Ruth Wachera said that the allocation of bursaries was consistent with the government’s support for raising education standards throughout the country.
In February of this year, the West Pokot governor allocated a bursary budget of Sh435 million to cover the needs of 41,414 students across the county.
The governor said that out of a bursary budget of Sh435 million, Sh15,000 was set aside for students in boarding secondary schools, Sh10,000 for students in college and university, and Sh5000 was for day secondary school students and those in driving school.
By Richard Muhambe and Anthony Melly
