The Kwanza Constituency National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) has launched this term’s bursary programme aimed at strengthening school retention and ensuring smooth learner transition across all levels of education.
The initiative is part of ongoing efforts to reduce school dropout rates and support the government’s goal of achieving 100% transition of learners within the education system.
Speaking during the launch, Kwanza Sub-County Director of Education Anthony Barasa, who served as the chief guest, commended the programme, saying it will play a critical role in keeping learners in school.
“We are very grateful to our area Member of Parliament for this bursary scheme within Kwanza Constituency. We are aligned with the presidential directive of achieving 100% transition,” Barasa said.
He revealed that earlier in the year, the sub-county conducted a mop-up exercise that successfully tracked and transitioned 663 learners into Grade 10.
According to him, all identified learners have now been incorporated into the bursary support programme in collaboration with the NG-CDF committee.
“This will go a long way in ensuring that students are retained in their institutions. The launch of this bursary scheme today is very important because it will keep learners in school. We are in agreement with principals that students will remain in school to access quality education,” he added.
Barasa also reaffirmed that Ministry of Education fee guidelines remain in force, noting that no school within the constituency has been authorised to increase fees.
He warned that any complaints regarding fee irregularities will be investigated and addressed accordingly.
NG-CDF leadership announced that the bursary programme will benefit thousands of students across secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and vocational training centres, with priority given to vulnerable households.
NG-CDF Chairperson Nancy Imali said the programme targets needy learners who are at risk of dropping out due to financial challenges.
“We have many needy children, and it is important that NG-CDF continues to support education. That is why we are here today to support students in secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and even vocational training centres,” she said.
Imali revealed that the constituency has already disbursed approximately Sh 50.9 million in bursary support during the current financial cycle, benefiting over 1,000 students, including learners with special needs.
She further noted that additional allocations will continue to support students in tertiary and vocational institutions, with funding distributed either as full or partial bursaries depending on individual need.
“We are helping parents who are unable to meet education costs. Without NG-CDF support, many children would not be able to stay in school,” she added.
Constituency Manager Joseph Kibii described the bursary programme as a major milestone in improving access to education and supporting vulnerable families.
He emphasized the need for collaboration between education stakeholders, school administrators, and parents to ensure successful implementation of education programmes.
“This is a day to support parents who are struggling. We are working to ensure no learner is left behind due to lack of fees,” Kibii said.
Education stakeholders present—including sub-county education officials, school principals, and CDF representatives—pledged their commitment to sustaining the bursary programme and strengthening school retention efforts across Kwanza Constituency.
