Teso South: Teso South MP Mary Emase has called for legislative changes to allow Junior Secondary School (JSS) learners to benefit from the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) and Constituencies Development Fund (CDF) bursaries. This initiative aims to alleviate the financial burden on parents caused by the high fees charged by many schools.
According to Kenya News Agency, Emase expressed her concerns during a bursary vetting exercise in Olepito, advocating for JSS learners to be included in government scholarships or for the implementation of free post-primary education. This proposal is part of efforts to achieve a 100% transition rate within the educational system.
Emase highlighted the challenges faced by JSS learners amidst the phasing out of the 8-4-4 system. She emphasized the need for government intervention to prevent students from dropping out due to unpaid fees. Despite primary education being declared free, she noted that many schools impose additional charges for tuition and lun
ch programs, impacting education at the primary level.
Committed to her constituency’s educational development, Emase assured that bursary funds from the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) would be released by next week to ensure uninterrupted learning. She praised the transformative impact of the NG-CDF in society and its role in enabling children to continue their education without financial hindrance.
In addition, Emase discussed ongoing efforts to improve school infrastructure, recognizing its importance in providing a conducive learning environment and fostering competitive education on a national scale.
Furthermore, Emase revealed plans to adopt a program similar to that of Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro, which involves a 1000 per term school fees initiative. This initiative is aimed at increasing school attendance in the Teso South constituency by offering equal opportunities for all learners.
Residents of Angorom wards in Teso South have welcomed Emase’s initiatives, particularly
appreciating the timely distribution of bursaries that help relieve the financial burden of school fees on parents.