Record-Breaking: Kamukunji grants Sh61 million in bursaries to 9,848 students

In a move aimed at supporting education in Kamukunji, a staggering 9,848 students on Saturday received a record-breaking Sh61 million in bursaries from the Kamukunji Constituency National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF).

This is the highest amount ever given to students from the constituency.

Under the leadership of the current Member of Parliament Yusuf Hassan, Kamukunji has witnessed unmatched support for education.

Over 53,000 students have benefited from bursaries since he was first elected, which is the highest ever given by any MP during that period.

Sh61 Million given to over 9,000 needy students in Kamukunji Constituency. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

Speaking at the cheque issuance event which was held at Eastleigh High School, the MP said he hopes all students who receive the cheque will work hard in schools.

"I hope those who receive these cheques will put effort into their studies, work hard, and complete their education," said the MP, emphasising the transformative power of education in shaping a brighter future.

He also appealed to the government to reconsider the demolitions of earmarked buildings and structures near Nairobi rivers.

He argued that the current requirement of 30 meters away from the riparian land was excessively huge, equating it to the entirety of Gikomba and Kitui Village, which are densely populated areas.

"30 meters is too huge, 30 meters is like the whole of Gikomba and Kitui village which has a huge population," he noted.

Dagoreti South Member of Parliament John Kiarie attended the bursary issuance event. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

Dagoreti South Member of Parliament John Kiarie popularly known as KJ, urged parents to take an active role in their children's education.

"It's not the government or the MP who will control the time your children spend on social media, you must be keen," said Kiarie, highlighting the importance of parental involvement in guiding children's digital habits.

He further emphasised the need to nurture a child's talents and encouraged parents to support their children's interests, whether in sports or creative endeavours.

"Those with football talent should pursue football, and those inclined towards production should be encouraged to pursue that," said the MP, advocating for a personalised approach to education.

The event was also attended by Wajir East Member of Parliament Adan Daud and Kamukunji Deputy County Commissioner James Kamau.

Hundreds of parents and students from Kamukunji attended the event which was held at Eastleigh High School. (Photo: Ahmed Shafat)

Additionally, all ward representatives from the Kamukunji Constituency were in attendance, demonstrating a unified commitment to the welfare of the residents.

Parents and students who came to pick up their cheques were offered free medical check-ups courtesy of Health Gate Hospital and Bliss Medical Center.

The issuance of bursary cheques will continue on Monday at the California Ajira Center.

President William Ruto on Friday directed the Ministry of Education to postpone the reopening of all schools until further notice.

Ruto gave the new directive barely a few days after the ministry rescheduled the opening dates to May 6.

The schools were initially expected to be opened on April 29 but the dates were postponed due to the flood crisis across the country.

The President said the postponement was a result of a warning by the Kenya Meteorological Department that indicated that the flooding situation is likely to get dire with the ongoing rains.