More than 12,000 students across Kibwezi West Constituency are set to benefit from education bursaries after area Member of Parliament, Hon. Mwengi Mutuse, presided over the issuance of cheques worth KSh 78.1 million.
The bursaries will cater for learners in secondary schools, colleges, and universities, easing the financial burden on parents and guardians amid rising education costs.
Speaking during the event held at Kalungu Secondary School, Hon. Mutuse said his administration has fully funded all day secondary school students in the constituency, ensuring that parents will only contribute KSh 500 from the official government fee structure.
“This intervention is meant to ensure that no child is sent home due to lack of school fees. Education remains the strongest equaliser, and we are determined to support every learner,” said the MP.
In line with President William Ruto’s directive on 100 percent transition to senior school under the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC), the MP further announced that his office has committed to fully support all local students reporting to Grade 10 day schools within Kibwezi West, regardless of their financial status.
Hon. Mutuse noted that beyond infrastructure development and financial support, improved academic performance must remain a priority. He challenged school principals and teachers to match the heavy investments made by the constituency with better results.
“Investment in infrastructure, school buses, laboratories, and bursaries will be meaningless if learners do not post good results for reasons that can be addressed by teachers and other stakeholders,” he said.
To enhance performance, the MP revealed plans to convene a meeting with all secondary school principals in the constituency within the next two weeks to deliberate on strategies for improving academic outcomes.
He also commended Deputy County Commissioners from Nzaui, Makindu, and Kibwezi, alongside other National Government Administrative Officers and security agencies, for their efforts in ensuring students report to school as part of the 100 percent transition initiative.
The legislator further thanked education stakeholders and teacher unions, including KNUT, KUPPET, KESSHA, and KEPSHA, for their continued collaboration and support.
Hon. Mutuse expressed appreciation to Kalungu Secondary School for hosting the event and lauded parents for their cooperation and trust.