Homa Bay Town disburses Sh69 million bursary boost to over 10,000 learners

Homa Bay Town Director of Education Ziadah Osano, students and other stakeholders display a dummy cheque worth Sh69m at Kabunde Social Hall in Homa Bay town/Robert Omollo

Homa Bay Town Constituency has released more than Sh69 million in bursaries to support the education of needy and vulnerable students from the constituency.

More than 10,300 learners in various secondary schools, tertiary colleges and universities benefited from the bursary cheques.

The National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) manager Harrison Ogallo, Sub-County Education Director Ziadah Osano, Kenya Secondary Schools Heads Association (KESSHA) chairperson Linnet Olonde and constituency chairman Isaac Omollo said the funds will enhance retention of learners in schools.

Out of the total amount, Sh36 million was allocated to fully sponsored students, while Sh25 million went to partially sponsored learners. The remaining amount was disbursed to other students with deserving cases.

Homa Bay Town Education Director Ziadah Osano with Ogande Girls High School's Jane Odhiambo in Kabunde Social Hall/Robert Omollo

Ogallo said they do not want bright learners from humble backgrounds to drop out of school and fail to achieve their academic dreams.

“The bursary cheques were handed over to school heads for traceability. Parents and guardians of students who benefited are encouraged to follow up with relevant school authorities to collect receipts,” Ogallo said.

Speaking during the disbursement exercise at Kabunde Social Hall in Homa Bay Town, the NG-CDF official said they prioritised the most vulnerable and needy learners.

The constituency worked with a volunteer team, including area chiefs, to identify beneficiaries from villages.

The team visited homes and came up with a list of eligible beneficiaries before the bursary committee vetted them.

He said they are supporting the students’ education as a way of empowering them economically in future.

“We believe that students who benefited are deserving. The team prioritised the degree of vulnerability,” he said.

Homa Bay Town NG-CDF manager Harrison Ogallo speaks to journalists in Kabunde/ Robert Omollo

Osano appealed to the NG-CDF committee to consider establishing workshops and laboratories in schools for Grade 10 learners to align with the Competency-Based Education (CBE) curriculum.

“The new curriculum has a lot of practical work which requires workshops and equipment to facilitate learning. Such facilities will enable students to achieve the best learning outcomes,” Osano said.

She urged beneficiaries to work hard in school as a way of appreciating the bursary support they received. The officials also encouraged parents to strive to meet their obligations.

Olonde argued that supporting the construction of laboratories and workshops will promote learning in schools.

“The disbursement of bursary funds is not only a relief to learners and parents but also to schools which have been struggling with huge arrears. NG-CDF has bridged the gap and promoted retention of learners in schools,” Olonde said.

Kalanya Location Chief Fredrick Onyango said the release of the funds has supported the government’s agenda of achieving 100 per cent transition.

“Parents are encouraged to supplement the exercise by paying fees. Let parents be responsible and clear the fee balances,” Onyango said.

Omollo said the disbursement of the funds will reduce the number of people seeking school fees support from their office.

“Many people are struggling to make ends meet due to the current economic situation. We believe most parents and students who applied for fees assistance have been helped,” Omollo said.