About 9000 students from Narok East constituency are set to benefit from a Sh30 Million bursary given through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) for the financial year 2022-2023. Narok East Member of Parliament Ken Aramat said the beneficiaries had applied through an online platform, after which they were verified as bona fide members by the local chiefs. He spoke at the CDF office during the verification exercise of the beneficiaries, where he said the online application ensures transparency and accountability as those who apply, regardless of their political background, benefit from the funds. Aramat revealed that the number of applicants has increased from 3, 000 in 2013 to 9, 000 in the current financial year, lauding the residents for embracing education by ensuring all their children are in school. ‘Some 7, 000 beneficiaries are from secondary schools, while 2, 000 are students in colleges and universities,’ he said, adding that students in secondary schools get Sh5, 000 each, those in colleges get Sh8, 000 each, and those in universities get Sh15, 000 each. The third-term MP said the challenges that come with digital applications are that many people from neighbouring constituencies apply for the funds, while other people do multiple applications. However, the MP said a high percentage of the students in the area study in schools outside the constituency, making schools outside the constituency benefit from the constituency’s fund. ‘When I was elected in office in the year 2013, there were only five secondary schools in the entire constituency. The secondary schools have since increased to 18, most of which are built through the NG-CDF,’ he said. The residents lauded the process, saying everybody, regardless of their clan, religion, or political affiliation, had benefited from the fund. Nelly Wanjiru, a beneficiary of the bursary, said many people had suffered economically because of the long dry spell experienced in the country in the last one year, adding that the bursary will be a big relief to the residents. Catheline Kinayia was all smiles as her two children in secondary schools benefited from the funds. Bernard Punyua praised the NG-CDF, saying it has helped many children from poor backgrounds complete their studies. ‘There has never been a major complaint that some people have been left out in the bursary distribution. We are grateful to our MP for making the process very transparent,’ he said.
Source: Kenya News Agency