Mathira: Mathira Member of Parliament Eric Wamumbi has launched an ambitious bursary scheme that will see students in all 65 day-secondary schools in his constituency learn for free starting this year. Wamumbi announced that through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), his office will cater for the Sh11,000 paid by each of the learners as annual school fees. He said that the funds are already available and that disbursement of the checks will begin next week.
According to Kenya News Agency, Wamumbi assured parents that the money is ready and instructed principals to readmit all secondary school learners stuck at home due to school fee arrears. This includes Grade 10 students who have yet to join senior school because of fee-related challenges. The legislator is awaiting a list of learners starting from Grade 10, Form 3, and Form 4 to issue checks, ensuring uninterrupted learning.
The funds will be disbursed in a lump sum, with school heads expected to utilize 50 percent in the first term, 30 percent in the second term, and 20 percent in the third term. This plan is intended to ensure prudent utilization and prevent operational challenges due to lack of funds.
For parents who have already paid the first-term school fees, Wamumbi stated that the school administration had agreed to issue refunds once the bursary funds are disbursed. However, parents with outstanding arrears must agree on a structured payment plan with their respective school administration.
To boost attendance, Wamumbi announced that all day-secondary schools in his constituency would undergo a facelift to improve the learning environment and boost student morale. This project includes constructing classrooms, dining halls, ablution blocks, and purchasing school buses. Additionally, plans are underway to install boilers for timely meal preparation in a conducive environment.
Wamumbi also mentioned that all day secondary schools in his constituency will receive food supplies to support the provision of lunch to learners throughout the academic year. He emphasized the importance of parental responsibility in ensuring children attend school, as education is crucial for their future success.
Dismissing claims that the initiative is politically motivated, Wamumbi explained that the program is inspired by his personal life experiences and aligns with his vision of restoring Mathira's status as an academic powerhouse. He assured that the program would benefit children irrespective of their parents' political affiliations.
The legislator spoke during the launch of the Masomo kwa Wote Programme 2026 edition in Kaiyaba in Mathira West. He also commended National Government Administration Officers for their support in ensuring school attendance and urged them to assist in the upcoming mop-up exercise aimed at ensuring 100 percent transition of junior school learners to senior school.