Students in Busia have received bursaries worth Sh4.44 million courtesy of the National Government Affirmative Action Fund.
Woman Representative Florence Mutua distributed the cheques to 650 secondary schools, colleges and university students on Sunday at Busia airstrip land.
“We are coming in time to cushion parents from brutal economic times occasioned by the Covid-19 pandemic that has kept many of our deserving children out of school,” Mutua said.
“Education is a key stimulator of economic growth because it has been proven to be the best tool for empowering the most marginalised and vulnerable individuals in our society.”
The MP said her office will track students who will benefit from the fund to ensure they complete their education.
Mutua said she will also use the fund to support the establishment of businesses in the county in a bid to uplift the economic standards of vulnerable groups.
“We are making deliberate efforts to enhance the capacity of rural communities by supporting the development of infrastructure, policy frameworks and systems that will ultimately bring a conducive environment for business growth and opportunities,” Mutua said.
She said this would be achieved by considering the unique needs and plans factored in by groups in their proposals.
Mutua, who has set her eyes on succeeding Governor Sospeter Ojaamong in 2022, said without the provision of quality education, Busia may take long to develop.
“I want to thank you the people of Busia because without you, I would not be standing here today,” she said.
“You have stood with me and I am almost finishing my 10 years in Parliament. Without you people, I would not have done it. That is why I get motivated to continue working hard for you people because you are the ones who gave me that energy.”
Mutua is the only woman who has so far expressed interest in vying for governor in Busia. The male-dominated race had by November 22 attracted six candidates.
Edited by A.N
