Kamukunji NGCDF bursary registration offers hope to needy families

The Kamukunji National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF) initiated its bursary registration at the Pumwani Social Hall in Pumwani Ward on Thursday. The program aims to identify and assist underprivileged families eligible for bursaries within the Kamukunji Constituency.

Kamukunji residents being registered for bursary application in Kamukunji Constituency. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

A strong turnout was evident, with hundreds of Pumwani residents queuing as early as 6 in the morning to participate in this crucial exercise. The majority of applicants are from slums and informal settlements, highlighting the acute need within these communities.

Among those seeking assistance was Zahra Hamisi, a single mother residing in the Majengo informal settlement. Arriving at 7 am, she hoped to secure her daughter's educational future. Zahra expressed her hardships, emphasizing that this bursary remains her daughter's sole chance at pursuing secondary education.

Hundreds line up to register for Kamukunji NGCDF bursary at Pumwani Social Hall. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

"This bursary helps a lot; I am struggling with life, and this is the only hope for my daughter's education," expressed Zahra.

Similarly, Mark Kariuki Kuria, a student at Kenyatta University and also from the Majengo slum, highlighted the significance of this opportunity. He disclosed his family's financial struggles, underscoring how the bursary determines his educational path.

"My parents are not able to pay my school fees; my education depends on this bursary," remarked Mark.

Last year, an astounding 7600 students benefited from the Kamukunji NGCDF bursary program, with 2100 in tertiary institutions and 5500 in secondary schools, collectively receiving over 38 million Kenyan shillings.

70 years old disabled Esther Wairimu came to register for her son at Shauri Moyo Chief's office (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

Esther Wairimu, the CDF Chairlady, expressed aspirations for this year's program, aiming to surpass 8000 beneficiaries. She stressed their commitment to aiding more families in need. "We want over 8000 families to benefit this year," she stressed, affirming their commitment to aiding more families in need.

Vincent Akonye, a beneficiary since secondary school, shared his gratitude, affirming how the bursary sustained his education up to his final year at Moi University. "This is my last year at Moi University, and it is this bursary that has been paying my fees from when I was in Form 1 second term," said Vincent Akonye with a smile. "I am a lucky guy; otherwise, I would have been a dropout. Thanks a lot to these bursaries," he adds.

At 2 pm, the exercise moved to Shauri Moyo Chief's office, where hundreds, mostly from the informal settlements of Kitui village, were registered. Esther Wairimo, a resilient 70-year-old woman facing physical challenges from the informal settlements of Kitui village, took the initiative to apply for a much-needed bursary to support her grandson's educational journey at St. Paul Secondary School.

Her grandson, an orphan, lacks the financial means to cover his school fees, leaving his education in jeopardy. Despite the hardships and her own physical limitations, Esther courageously stepped forward, determined to secure this bursary for her grandson.

Her optimism shines through as she earnestly hopes that this assistance will be granted. She firmly believes that this opportunity will not only alleviate the financial burden on her family but will also empower her grandson to continue his studies without disruption.

Joseph Kamojo 65 years old disabled man, his son has been receiving the bursary since he was form two. (Photo: Abdirahman Khalif)

Joseph Kamojo, a 65-year-old father also facing physical challenges, arrived to apply for his son's bursary at Kiambu Institute of Technology. Despite having received bursaries multiple times before, he remains optimistic as he registers once again today, hoping for a successful outcome. Expressing his confidence in the process, he remarks, "This has been my means of educating my son, and the efficiency of this process has been remarkable."

The registration will now progress to different wards within Kamukunji, scheduled to reach Eastleigh South on Friday, Eastleigh North at the Chief's office on Saturday, Airbase ward on Monday, and concluding in California ward on Tuesday.