Murang'a: As the third term of the school calendar kicked off across the country, 576 learners from Murang'a County received bursaries worth Sh4.6 million, offering relief to struggling parents amidst the harsh economic times. The bursary awards, drawn from the Murang'a County Woman Representative's office, targeted students in public secondary schools, tertiary colleges, and universities.
According to Kenya News Agency, during the presentation ceremony at Kimorori grounds, County Woman Representative Betty Maina emphasized the importance of education in transforming lives. She urged parents to encourage their children to pursue education and focus on their studies as it is the only game changer that can open a world of opportunities to them. Maina also encouraged learners to value the sacrifices made on their behalf, urging them to shun bad company and peer pressure.
Maina pledged to push for more resources for learners, noting that education remains the greatest equalizer if the county and the country are to transform. Parents who benefited from the bursary expressed gratitude but also voiced a growing call for reforms in how education is funded. They suggested the consolidation of all education funds into one structured program to make education free and universal.
Eunice Nduta, a beneficiary from Kangari, Kigumo constituency, noted that the bursary was a relief amidst the high cost of living. However, she supported the proposal to amalgamate and consolidate all bursaries to make education free for all. Her sentiments were echoed by Peter Njuguna, who expressed hope that the bursary would help his daughter continue her studies at Embu University.
For Njeri Muthoni, the bursary represented a lifeline after months of financial frustration as her granddaughter had missed two semesters at Zetech University due to lack of fees. She expressed hope that the consolidation of funds would make it easier for children to learn for free.
Education experts argue that a policy to amalgamate and consolidate all education funding opportunities could provide free universal education for all children. Currently, bursaries, National Government Constituencies Development Fund (Ng-CDF) allocations, and scholarships are scattered across multiple government programs. They note that consolidation could streamline processes and ensure that no child drops out of school for lack of fees.