40,000 Needy Ruiru Students to Receive Sh90m Bursaries Amid Economic Hardships

Kiambu County, the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) has allocated Sh90 million to assist 40,000 needy students. This intervention comes as a beacon of hope for thousands of parents grappling with the harsh economic environment in Kenya, which has made it increasingly challenging to afford school fees.

Ruiru MP Simon King’ara announced the increased allocation while overseeing the funds application exercise in Githurai on Monday. Initially, Sh80 million had been set aside for bursaries, but the overwhelming number of deserving applicants necessitated a request to the NG-CDF board for an additional Sh10 million. Ruiru, being the most populous constituency with over 700,000 residents, faces unique challenges in meeting the educational needs of its students.

“We usually receive overwhelming numbers of applicants and we are forced to write to the NG-CDF board to allow us to spend extra funds on bursaries as we try to help all applicants. So far, we have received 40,000 applications and the number might rise,” King’ara stated.

The high turnout of applicants underscores the severe economic hardships faced by families in Ruiru, particularly in the peri-urban areas. Parents are struggling with unemployment, high living costs, and insufficient incomes, making it nearly impossible to pay for their children’s education. The bursaries are not only a lifeline for these families but also a crucial element in achieving the 100 percent transition policy aimed at ensuring all students progress from primary to secondary education.

King’ara highlighted the critical role of the NG-CDF kitty in enhancing access to education in the constituency. “The majority of our people live from hand to mouth and can hardly facilitate their children’s education. Our allocation is too little to effectively help all, and we would be glad if the government considered increasing it, owing to the high population in Ruiru,” he explained.

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However, the allocation of such a significant portion of funds to bursaries means that other development projects within the education sector could face financial constraints. To address this, King’ara’s office has sought partnerships with corporate entities to support infrastructural development in schools. These partnerships have been fruitful, resulting in the construction of more than 50 classrooms in primary and secondary schools within the constituency.

The eight wards of Ruiru—Mwihoko, Mwiki, Kiuu, Gitothua, Biashara, Gatung’ora, Kahawa Sukari, and Kahawa Wendani—present a diverse array of needs, making the allocation process even more challenging. The MP often finds himself at a crossroads, trying to ensure equitable distribution of the limited resources among a high number of deserving students.

The bursary initiative in Ruiru reflects a broader national effort to support education amidst economic challenges. It underscores the importance of government intervention in providing financial support to vulnerable families and ensuring that economic hardships do not hinder students’ access to education.

As the economic situation remains tough, the call for increased funding to match the high population and needs of Ruiru’s residents is more pertinent than ever. King’ara’s proactive approach in seeking additional funds and forming partnerships sets a commendable precedent for other constituencies facing similar challenges. The Sh90 million bursary allocation is not just an investment in education; it is an investment in the future of Ruiru’s youth, providing them with the opportunity to pursue their studies without the looming burden of financial constraints.

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