NG-CDF seeks to use more on bursaries due to poverty

Mbeere North MP Geoffrey Ruku. [Muriithi Mugo, Standard]

Due to high levels of poverty caused by failed rains, the Mbeere North Constituency Development Fund Committee is requesting permission to use Sh50 million for bursaries.

Geoffrey Ruku, MP for Mbeere North, stated that the National Government (NG- CDF) committee had limited bursary allocation to the maximum allowed by law, Sh45 million.

This represents 35% of the total CDF fund allocated to the Mbeere North Constituency.

"Because of the high poverty levels in this area, one of the most difficult challenges is the high demand for bursaries. We want to improve education through more allocationsin Mbeere North," Ruku said.

He added that he will make every effort to improve education in the area because crop failure occurs every year.

Ruku expressed optimism during the launch of the Mbeere North Bursary application online portal, saying the site will reduce the costs incurred by parents when students travel to present physical bursary application forms.

"The online process will also make it more open, transparent, effective, and efficient in assisting the most vulnerable cases," he added.

Ruku urged other entities to chip in and assist with fee payment, which he identified as a major impediment to performance.

Students in the constituency praised the decision to allow students to apply for bursaries online, noting that it will save them money and time spent travelling to physically present the application forms.

JKUAT student Wycliffe Kinyua said the process was simplified and that he will not have to travel back home to present the forms.

"I applied during the launch and it took less than two minutes," he explained.

Ann Mitema, Deputy County Commissioner for Mbeere North, urged the NG CDF Committee to always be transparent in allocating bursaries.