By Eric Omwombo
Parents from needy backgrounds have a reason to smile after Governor James Orengo released KES 110 million towards supporting 31,162 students in Secondary and Tertiary Institution’s.
Lea Apondi from Sidindi, lauded Orengo’s move to release bursary that would benefit vulnerable students including her daughter.
“I want to thank Governor Orengo’s administration for responding to our distresses. The released bursary is timely and it will retain our children in School,” said Apondi.
Another parent from North Gem, Jane Amollo, said the Bursary Programme was a reprieve to parents.
“I’m happy with the Nyalore government. My son has been enlisted as a beneficiary of this year’s bursary. Orengo’s bursary program is a reprieve to many parents. We are also waiting for the Form One bursary forms that will be availed next week,” said Amollo.
She revealed that she is educating three children in Secondary school and that has drained her financially. To make ends meet Amollo has been struggling with the a food kiosk business and Table-banking initiatives.
Peter Oluoko, a famer at Ugunja affirmed that Orengo has not abandoned those who stood by him during campaigns and he is trustworthy.
“The Governor had assured the public that when he takes the leadership mantle, he will respond to our distresses and he has proved he is someone who keeps his word”, said Mr. Oluoko.
In Ugenya, 355 benefitted from bursary where a total of 2.78 million was allocated.
Silvester Ocholla, a parent in North Ugenya said for the first time his daughter received KES 5000 in bursary.
Ocholla said he has been carting off sacks of maize to schools to ensure his children acquire an education but this year the Governor’s bursary drive was a welcome boon.
While presiding over the distribution of cheques to students at Ludha Secondary School Governor Orengo said his government will work closely with key stakeholders including the financial institutions to increase the bursary kitty.
“We have this year released KES 110 million where KES 86 million is allocated for continuing students and KES 24 million is reserved for Form Ones,” said the Governor.
“The increased allocation in on educational bursaries will play a key role in ensuring continuity and completion of education by students,” he said, adding “The additional funding that we will get from key stakeholders will supplement the government’s efforts to reduce illiteracy by increasing access to education and improving transition rates.”
There have been calls from MCA’s to increase the limit amount to support teaching and learning activities.
Some schools had almost all students applying for the bursary fund which was usually not enough following overwhelming response from applicants.
During public participation, it was clear from the reactions of people that the allocation could not meet their needs.
“I’m happy with the efforts made by some MCAs who saw Wards bursary budgets limited and organized Harambee especially in Sidindi where I participated by giving KES 300,000,” he said.
He added that even North Ugenya MCA Benard Adalla had put additional had put in an additional KES 500,000 to support the county bursary kitty.
The Education Executive Dr. Edgar Otumba reiterated that KES 24 million is reserved for Form Ones.
Orengo observed that the creation of employment among youth is a critical national agenda and it cannot be achieved through jobs abroad.
“Ruto must create jobs in Kenya as by going outside our country for jobs, we will be building those country’s economies and education systems,” said Orengo.
Orengo also noted that Ruto is trying to re-introduce the neo-slavery in the country through jobs abroad.
“Previously, people from East Africa would be taken to Arab and Brazil to work in the fields.We need proper investments that can absorb Kenyans to work in our own Country,” said Orengo, adding “We cannot compete for jobs with citizens of other countries. That is a wrong economic foundation.”
County Secretary Joseph Ogutu, Education Chief Officer Kut Ochogo, Water Executive Jacquelin Oduol, Trade Executive Grace Agola and other County officials also attended the event.
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