Thika Town MP Patrick Wainaina has called for splitting of his constituency in the ongoing constitutional reforms as the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) is overwhelmed by its high population.
Wainaina who spoke after issuing Sh. 10 million worth of school bursaries at Mugumoini Primary School on Wednesday said the Sh100 million CDF annual allocation was inadequate to address the needs of over 300,000 residents.
He said splitting the constituency would bring equity in provision of services compared to other low populous constituencies, saying sometimes he is forced to forfeit doing some projects.
He cited some North Eastern and Coastal constituencies where an MP represents about 30,000 people being allocated the same CDF amount, as the one representing over 300,000 people.
“We are now forced to give students at least Sh3,000 school bursaries from the CDF kitty. How far can such an amount take a student from poor backgrounds? Had the constituency been split, each learner would get Sh12,000 worth of school bursary, among other infrastructural development,” said Wainaina.
He at the same time lauded the government resolve to reopen schools in January, saying it was the right decision as learners had overstayed at home.
He called on school heads to monitor adherence to Ministry of Health Covid-19 guidelines among students, and not to admit high numbers of students who will overwhelm them.
“Take numbers that you know you can handle, otherwise you will be overwhelmed,” said Wainaina.
Grace Njeri and Esther Muthoni, some of the parents whose children benefited from the bursaries said it was a boost since they were drained financially by the financial effects of Covid-19.
The two who are hawkers in Thika town and who received Sh6,000 bursary said it would take their children through next term as they endeavor to turn around their businesses.
Some 1,770 form four students benefited from the fund.
By Muoki Charles
