Over 700 needy students in Kisumu County have benefited from bursaries and full scholarships sponsored by Senator Prof. Tom Ojienda.
The donation worth Sh8, 393, 000 is part of the Senator’s own contribution to support the education sector in the county.
Speaking in his office in Kisumu today while issuing cheques to the beneficiaries, Ojienda said his office received an avalanche of applications prompting him to source for funds to support the needy cases.
“The office of the Senator does not receive any funding for bursaries and development but as leaders we receive applications from the electorate expecting us to support them,” he said.
He added that the initiative, which is supported by his friends, shall be continuous to ensure that any deserving needy students in the area are supported to realize their dreams.
“Education is important to our children who are the future generation and they will be able to support their parents to lead a decent life in old age,” he said.
Ojienda who has been criticized after his visit to State House two weeks ago defended the move, saying it was part of his strategy to work with all government leaders and agencies to improve the livelihoods of the people of Kisumu.
“Representation is not a cause for nothing. I believe that it should improve the livelihoods of our people. As leaders we should ensure that our people have access to good roads, food, electricity and healthcare,” he said.
“My visit to State House was strategic. I received an invitation to discuss the agreement on some of the projects to be undertaken in Kisumu and you will see the outputs,” he added.
His engagement with the various arms of government and leaders, he said, will continue to ensure that the people of Kisumu benefit.
This, he said, will not in any way interfere with his oversight role in the Senate adding that he was firmly in the Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party and will not shy from criticizing the Kenya Kwanza administration whenever it goes wrong.
By Rolex Omondi and Chris Mahandara
