Thika Constituency in Kiambu County has disbursed Ksh18 million in bursaries to support higher education. The funds, released through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), will benefit approximately 3,800 students from universities and colleges in the region. This initiative underscores the government’s commitment to ensuring that financial constraints do not hinder academic pursuits.
Thika Technical Training Institute (TTTI) emerged as the primary beneficiary, receiving Ksh2.5 million. The substantial allocation is attributed to the institute’s large student population. According to the area Member of Parliament, Alice Ng’ang’a, 500 students from TTTI were awarded bursaries, reflecting the institution’s significant demand for financial aid. “We have a very high student population in Thika Technical Training Institute and this is the reason why the students received the highest share of the bursaries,” she explained during the recent bursary issuance event.
Mount Kenya University (MKU) students also received considerable support, marking the second-largest allocation after TTTI. This financial assistance comes at a critical time, providing much-needed respite to families struggling with the increasing costs of higher education amidst the country’s economic challenges.
MP Alice Ng’ang’a highlighted that her office is committed to increasing the funds allocated to higher learning institutions in future disbursements. She emphasized the need for creating awareness about the benefits of the current higher education funding model among parents and stakeholders. “More money has been pumped into higher education under the new model,” she noted, urging parents to understand and utilize these opportunities.
The MP also revealed that funds for constructing more Junior Secondary Schools (JSS) have been disbursed, with these projects currently in the procurement stage. This move is part of a broader strategy to enhance educational infrastructure and provide better learning environments for students at all levels.
The bursary allocation in Thika Constituency aligns with the national agenda of increasing access to education and reducing the dropout rates caused by financial hardships. By supporting students through bursaries, the government aims to ensure that more young people complete their education and acquire the skills necessary for the job market.
The NG-CDF bursary scheme has been instrumental in bridging the financial gap for many students across Kenya. In Thika Constituency, the impact of this funding is evident, with thousands of students able to continue their studies without the burden of financial stress. The initiative not only supports individual students but also contributes to the overall development of the region by promoting higher education.
As the economic situation remains challenging, such interventions are crucial in sustaining educational advancement and empowering the youth. The emphasis on increasing future allocations and raising awareness about funding opportunities reflects a proactive approach to addressing the educational needs of the constituency.
In conclusion, the Ksh18 million bursary disbursement in Thika Constituency is a significant step towards supporting higher education amid tough economic times. With Thika Technical Training Institute and Mount Kenya University being major beneficiaries, the initiative demonstrates a commitment to ensuring that financial difficulties do not impede academic progress. MP Alice Ng’ang’a’s efforts to enhance funding and awareness further underscore the importance of education in driving the constituency’s development and prosperity.
