Kiharu – Ndindi Nyoro, the Chairperson of the Budget and Appropriations Committee in Parliament, has announced the upcoming release of funds for bursaries under the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) before the start of the new school term. This statement was made on Thursday, emphasizing the government’s commitment to supporting learners who rely on these bursaries for their education.
According to Kenya News Agency, the government is prioritizing the release of the portion of the NG-CDF dedicated to bursaries, with other funds to follow later. “We are aware schools are reopening next week, and learners and their parents are concerned about their bursaries. I want to assure them that the money will be released before the end of next week,” Nyoro stated. His announcement came during a gathering at Nyakihai Primary School, where he hosted 15 legislators who visited Kiharu Constituency to benchmark various projects and programs implemented by the local NG-CDF.
Nyoro highlighted the vital role of NG-CDF bursaries in supporting the education of students from vulnerable backgrounds. He reiterated the government’s understanding of the importance of these funds, ensuring their timely release. Additionally, he mentioned the recent release of Sh31.34 billion by the government as capitation to support basic education, aimed at mitigating financial challenges upon school reopening.
The visiting legislators were introduced to several local projects, including the ‘Masomo Bora’ program, the labour-based model for project implementation, and renovations of public schools in Kiharu. Nyoro praised the labour-based model, where NG-CDF provides the funds, and local communities contribute labor. This approach has led to the renovation of all local public primary schools in Kiharu, including tiling, painting, and re-roofing classrooms, as well as enhancing school compounds with new landscaping and cabro installations.
Nyoro elaborated on the success of this model in Kiharu, noting the extensive work completed in 117 primary schools and the ongoing landscaping program that has already benefitted seven schools. He encouraged other constituencies to adopt this economical and effective approach.
Alice Ng’ang’a, a Member of Parliament from Thika, commended the ‘Masomo Bora’ program, which provides food to day-secondary schools, thereby reducing the financial burden on parents to only Sh1,000 per term. She expressed her intention to implement a similar initiative in her constituency, noting its significant benefit to families, especially those in informal settlements struggling with school fees.