Education projects boost MPs scorecard

Embakasi East MP Babu Owino is awarded a certificate of best-performing lawmaker by Infotrak CEO Angela Ambitho in Nairobi on February 12, 2025. [ Jenipher Wachie, Standard] Critical initiatives such as school feeding programme, bursaries, infrastructure development, and provision of school buses have significantly enhanced access to quality education and earned MPs admiration from the electorate. The transition crisis in Junior Secondary Schools, dropout rate in remote areas due to hunger and vulnerability of households, provided a platform for MPs to raise the bar in leadership. A recent survey by Infotrak Research and Consulting reveals that more than half of the MPs received an approval rating above 50 per cent, reflecting public satisfaction with their efforts since taking office in August 2022. Embakasi East MP Babu Owino emerged as the best-performing legislator in 2024 with a score of 72 per cent, followed closely by Kiharu MP Ndindi Nyoro at 71 per cent. Kabuchai MP Majimbo Kalasinga and Kathiani MP Robert Mbui tied at 62 per cent, while Githunguri MP Gathoni Wamuchomba scored 61 per cent. Notably, the top-performing MPs have personal experiences of struggling to afford education, which has fueled their passion for making learning accessible to all. Kiharu MP Nyoro, who once worked as a cobbler to support his education, launched the Masomo Bora programme, significantly reducing the financial burden on parents. "I struggled with my education repairing my colleagues' shoes to supplement fees paid by my parents. I don't want any other child to go through what I did," Nyoro said. His struggles as a student inspired these interventions. "I had a Sh30,000 fee balance when I left school. I had to return to the school to offset my arrears. I don't want other children to endure the same hardships," he said. "When we create a conducive learning environment, students thrive with confidence. The results we've seen in Kiharu reflect this approach." Under the programme, parents in Kiharu now pay only Sh1,000 per term, covering meals and other school essentials. "We make sure learners eat in school and have an enhanced menu of rice for three days as well as a mixture of maize and beans from Monday to Saturday. Every Friday, they get chapati," he said. The Kiharu MP's efforts have already impacted 16,000 students across 61-day secondary schools, with 90 percent of the constituency's National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) allocated to education projects. "Prudent use of public funds is seen through service delivery to the people. We are laying cabros, tiling classes and building new schools to improve their learning environment," Nyoro emphasized. Kiharu CDF primary school rehabilitation project started following public meetings with MP Ndindi Nyoro. [File, Standard] Beyond formal education, he launched the Kiharu Fanikisha Programme, providing scholarships for 1,200 youths and young parents to pursue technical courses in areas such as hospitality, cosmetology, and driving. Nandi Senator Samson Cheralgei, who visited Kiharu to benchmark these initiatives, lauded Nyoro's efforts. "What the MP is doing to supplement the government's capitation is crucial for our children. There is no greater investment than investing in education," Cheralgei said. Kabuchai MP Kalasinga has focused on building new schools and renovating existing ones. With over 161 schools under renovation, he hopes to bring public institutions up to par with private schools. Recognising the challenges in Junior Secondary Schools, he called on the government to employ more teachers and invest in practical learning. "Academies are trying in practical lessons, but public schools lag behind. The government must prioritize JSS practical lessons," Kalasinga said. He has been at the forefront of advocating for quality education. He has actively engaged students, urging them to protect school resources and refrain from destructive behaviors like arson. "We must spend time building schools and taking care of them. I am putting up a school, and for all pioneer day students, I will pay their fees. I struggled to access education, which is why I prioritise it," Kalasinga said. The Kabuchai MP has also constructed new schools, ensuring students no longer walk long distances to access education. "Our children travel long distances to schools and before they arrive, they are already tired from learning," he said. "Majority of them leave home very early making them vulnerable to sexual harassment in the darkness." Additionally, Kalasinga has pledged to sponsor the education of young girls who drop out of school because of lack of fees. He has also actively funded purchase of school buses to schools, a move that has easien mobility. "Transport was a major problem to the schools when students intended to travel. Most affected were those from special schools whose mobility was a challenge," he said."We must invest in children because there is no greater investment than education," he added. Embakasi East MP who says he has tasted the bitter side of life in school through sale of illegal brew, has endeavored to make education an equalizer in life. "I was raised through Chang'a sale and I understand how hard it is to raise even fees for day school approximately Sh9,000. A child is sent home and misses class for an entire term, as a leader I have to understand and find a solution," he said. Known for his advocacy for students' rights, has gone beyond issuing bursaries by personally engaging with learners. The MP has been seen conducting online mathematics revision classes for candidates, a programme he began during Covid-19 pandemic. This has gained both praise and criticism. "I am doing this to keep students busy during this time when they are out of school," Owino said, referencing school closures during the COVID-19 pandemic. Even though he may not have reached all students in the country, it is a sign of goodwill to teach when the country struggles with an unemployment crisis. On transition the MP was concerned with the few teachers deployed to manage the transition with many in his area grappling with a shortage. "The reports that many learners who reported to junior high school are not learning because there are no teachers, can the government update the country on the number of teachers deployed for junior high school and how they have distributed," said Owino. His efforts in supporting university students have also been vocal. Owino recently called out the government for delayed Higher Education Loans Board (HELB) disbursements, leaving thousands of students unable to pay for tuition, accommodation, and other necessities. "The students are angry, and I understand their frustration. HELB must release the money to comrades, and they must do it now!" he declared. The MP further emphasized the need for a proper audit of the Competency-Based Curriculum (CBC) and called on President William Ruto to clarify the state of Junior Secondary Schools. "How many learners have reported? Where are those who have not reported?" He posed. "When you are elected, people entrust their hopes in you. You are going to help their children go to school, you are going to construct schools for their children, you are going to issue bursaries for them to move to the city of victory," he said. Githunguri MP Wamuchomba was recognised for her school feeding initiative. "22,000 children enjoy lunch courtesy of CDF. I am a mother to all of them, irrespective of their family background," she said.

Education projects boost MPs scorecard

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