Over 10,000 Starehe learners get Sh67m bursaries

By Sammy Kimatu

NAIROBI, KENYA — More than 10,000 learners in Starehe Sub-County, Nairobi City County, have received bursaries in a major education support initiative aimed at improving access to learning opportunities and reducing the financial burden on families.

The bursaries were distributed through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) under the leadership of Starehe Member of Parliament Amos Mwago Maina.

The bursary programme, which targets learners at different educational levels, is expected to benefit thousands of families across the constituency.

Education stakeholders, parents and local leaders have welcomed the initiative, describing it as a significant step towards ensuring that no child is denied an education because of financial constraints.

Speaking during the bursary distribution exercise held at Landi Mawe Chief’s Camp in the South B area, NG-CDF Fund Manager Daudi Obonyo said the constituency had increased its bursary allocation for the current financial year.

According to Obonyo, the bursary budget rose from Sh63 million to Sh67 million, reflecting the growing demand for educational support within the constituency.

Increased funding to reach more learners

He said the increase demonstrates the commitment of the constituency leadership to investing in education as a key driver of social and economic development.

Obonyo emphasised that many families continue to face economic challenges, making bursaries an essential intervention that helps learners remain in school and focus on their studies without interruptions caused by unpaid school fees.

“The increase in bursary allocation will enable us to reach more deserving learners and provide greater support to students from vulnerable backgrounds,” Obonyo said. “Education remains one of the most powerful tools for transforming lives, and we are committed to ensuring that every child has an opportunity to learn and succeed.”

The bursaries were distributed across all wards within Starehe Constituency, including Pangani, Landimawe, Nairobi South, Ziwani/Kariokor, Ngara and Nairobi Central.

The beneficiaries include learners in secondary schools, colleges, technical institutions and universities, many of whom rely on financial assistance to continue with their education.

Parents who attended the event expressed gratitude for the support, saying the bursaries would help ease the pressure of paying school fees amid rising living costs.

Several families noted that the assistance would enable their children to remain in school and complete their education without disruption.