Thika: All day secondary schools in Thika constituency will now pay a reduced fee of Sh2,500 per term and enjoy free meals, an initiative launched by area MP Alice Ng'ang'a. The ambitious Imarisha Elimu programme seeks to help in addressing 100 percent access, retention, and completion of secondary school education in her constituency.

According to Kenya News Agency, speaking during the launch of the programme at Kenyatta primary school Friday, MP Alice Ng'ang'a said the programme comes as a big boost to parents who previously paid upwards of Sh18,000 per term and have been facing financial difficulties due to the harsh economic times. The difference in fees is being catered for by the NG/CDF bursary programme, and the MP warned that no principal should send learners home for school fees.

The programme aims to improve the performance in KCSE for day secondary schools in the area, where results have been poor compared to boarding schools, potentially due to absenteeism. The feeding programme, part of the initiative, will provide learners with free lunch and porridge to ensure they have the energy and focus needed for their studies.

The programme has been met with widespread praise from parents, teachers, and education stakeholders, all expressing relief that it will significantly reduce the financial strain they have been experiencing. Thika Sub-County Education Director, Maurice Sifuna, revealed that the programme has already attracted an influx of new learners from neighbouring sub-counties, signaling its potential to improve overall enrollment and performance.

With this bold step, Sifuna noted, Thika Constituency is setting a precedent in education reform, prioritising the welfare of its learners and laying the foundation for a brighter future. Teachers commended the initiative, stating that it will reduce absenteeism and enhance learning outcomes.

Parents, led by Evelyne Wanjiru, expressed that the programme will alleviate their financial burden and keep their children in school. 'Paying Sh18,000 per term has been a struggle due to high poverty levels and the hard economic times,' Wanjiru said, adding that this resulted in several students dropping out of school to engage in crime. 'This programme comes as a huge boost,' she added.