Delayed bursary could see learners skip school

By Joel Okwayo

Over 800 needy students from Shinyalu and Khwisero constituencies are at risk of dropping out of school.

The learners could quit the classroom due to delays by bursary committees in releasing funds.

"We are almost winding up Third Term but funds have not been released to the schools," said the Kenya Secondary Schools Head Teachers Association Western branch member Hezekiah Akang’o.

Mr Akang’o blamed MPs for the delays, explained that application forms from students had been forwarded to the constituency offices early enough.

Needy students

The Kenya National Union of Teachers (Knut) regretted that MPs had failed to process funds for needy students.

"We have received many complaints and some students may drop out of school due to lack of fees," said Knut Kakamega County Chairman Patrick Chungani.

Mr Chungani urged MPs Justus Kizito (Shinyalu) and Evans Akula (Khwisero) to act on the matter expeditiously. But contacted for comment, Kizito said issues related to school bursaries had reverted to the ministry of Education.

Kizito explained that bursary matters were being handled by the District Education Officers and not MPs. "The policy has been changed and we only assist needy cases as individuals."

On his part, Akula said he should not be blamed for the delays as he had mandated the bursary committee to handle all the requests.