Bondo MP Gideon Ochanda has rejected a proposal by Siaya residents to consolidate scattered bursary schemes, including the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), into a single fund managed by the Ministry of Education.
The proposal was raised during public participation on the national budget estimates at the Siaya IEBC hall, where residents led by Mathews Oluoch called for the merger of bursary programmes to improve efficiency and achieve free education.
Residents argued that consolidating bursary funds under one system would reduce misuse of resources currently managed by different levels of government, including the Presidency, county governments, and NG-CDF offices.
Oluoch said the current fragmented system has led to mismanagement of funds that are meant to support learners from vulnerable backgrounds.
However, Ochanda dismissed the proposal, noting that while the idea may appear beneficial, it could leave schools underfunded due to delays and inefficiencies in the disbursement of capitation funds by the Ministry of Education.
“The ministry already has capitation funds meant for schools, but the money often arrives late or in inadequate amounts. NG-CDF bursaries have been crucial in keeping schools running,” he said.
He warned that removing NG-CDF support and relying solely on the ministry could destabilize learning institutions.
“Without NG-CDF bursaries, some schools would struggle to operate. Until we are confident in how the ministry handles capitation, we cannot support the consolidation,” he added.
Ochanda spoke at St Paul’s Mitiro Mixed Secondary School in Bondo during the disbursement of Sh23 million in bursaries for day school students.
He said that in the last three days alone, he had disbursed bursaries to about 7,000 learners to support school operations in Term Two.
The legislator added that the NG-CDF bursary kitty, which amounts to about Sh66 million annually, primarily supports day school learners, while also benefiting students in boarding schools and tertiary institutions.
He noted that so far, Sh46 million has already been disbursed for Term One and Term Two support.
Ochanda further stated that the fund will distribute about Sh72 million this year, benefiting more than 14,000 students across schools and colleges.
Meanwhile, National Government Administration Officers (NGAO) have warned parents against allowing school-going children to engage in gold mining activities.
Bondo Sub-County Police Commander Ken Mayaka emphasized the need to protect children from hazardous labour, drug abuse, and other harmful activities.
He urged parents to ensure that bursary support is used strictly for education and not diverted into unsafe ventures.
“Gold may bring quick money today, but education is what secures their future,” he said.
Assistant County Commissioner for Nyangoma Division, Anjeline Immo, also warned against sexual exploitation of school-going girls, stating that offenders would face legal action.
“I am here to deal with offenders. Anyone who crosses the line will face the law,” she said.
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