At least 300 candidates who excelled in last year’s Kenya Certificate of Primary Education (KCPE) in Kasipul constituency have been rewarded with Sh10,000 each.
The students, 150 girls and 150 boys who excelled in the exam in both public and private primary school benefited from the fund.
Speaking in Oyugis town when he presented the pupils with commitment letters, Kasipul MP Ong’ondo Were said the Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF) is preparing Sh3 million cheque for the group.
The letters indicate that the money will be paid in bank accounts of their schools.
Were said the money will be used for paying school fees for the students who are joining Form One in national and extra county schools.
The MP said the programme is aimed at motivating pupils to work hard in their studies.
“We are giving each pupil Sh10,000, a special bursary as an award for the excellent academic performance they demonstrated in the KCPE . This initiative will enhance competition among pupils and this will improve academic performance in this constituency,” said Were.
The legislator said the special bursary will not affect the normal bursary for needy students in the constituency.
The MP said arrangements were already in place to distribute bursary cheques to 3000 needy students before the end of this month. The students include those who learn in both boarding and day secondary schools.
Were said his aim is to promote education in the constituency to raise illiteracy level in the near future.
“I want us to have doctors, engineers, journalists and other professionals in this constituency in future. This can only be achieved through supporting education of the current students,” said the legislator.
The legislator also said plans are underway to fund school projects through the NGCDF hence no need of schools organising fund- raisers.
Parents expressed optimism that the initiative will reduce the burden of paying school fees.
“As a parent, I feel relieved because Sh10,000 is not easy to get. I urge pupils to work hard in their studies to enable become successful in life,” said John Obunga.
The pupils said the initiative will improve the reading culture in the various schools
“I feel my efforts have been rewarded and this has motivated me,” said Laureen Achieng’ who scored 409 marks.
