By Janet Nyamwamu
As Kenya continues to confront deep-rooted socio-economic inequalities, bursary programmes funded through the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) are proving critical in keeping vulnerable learners in school.
In constituencies such as West Mugirango in Nyamira County and Kiharu in Murang’a County, locally driven initiatives are easing the burden of school fees for thousands of families and opening doors that might otherwise remain closed.
In West Mugirango, a shift towards technology is reshaping how bursaries are accessed and distributed. Early this month, area MP Stephen Mogaka rolled out a digital bursary application system designed to improve transparency and fairness.
The online platform replaces the traditional paper-based process, which had often been criticized for delays and lack of clarity.
Applicants now receive a QR-authenticated serial number upon submission, a move that helps curb fraud and ensures support reaches genuinely needy students.
The constituency is set to disburse bursaries to learners in secondary schools, colleges and universities, with about 8,000 secondary students and nearly 4,000 tertiary students benefiting.
Education stakeholders in the area say the support has already helped reduce absenteeism and prevented school dropouts, particularly among learners from low-income households.
For many families, the bursary has become the deciding factor between staying in school and abandoning education altogether.
In Kiharu Constituency, bursaries form part of a wider education reform agenda championed by MP Ndindi Nyoro.
Through the “Masomo Bora” initiative, day secondary school fees have been reduced to KSh 500 per term, with the programme also covering meals and funding learning infrastructure such as laboratories and revision materials.
NG-CDF bursaries continue to support students in boarding schools and tertiary institutions, with application forms made easily accessible to those in need.
This blended approach, which combines direct bursary support with broader subsidies and investment in school facilities, has strengthened both access and quality of education.
Local leaders argue that lowering costs while improving learning conditions gives students a fairer chance to succeed, regardless of their background.
Across the country, bursary programmes remain a vital safety net at a time when many households are struggling with rising living costs.
While education is widely recognised as a driver of social and economic mobility, poverty and inequality continue to limit opportunities for many children.
The NG-CDF stands out as one of the few mechanisms that channel education support directly to the grassroots.
However, concerns over accountability persist.
Recent reports by the Auditor-General have flagged irregularities in bursary management in some areas, reinforcing the need for transparent systems and clear eligibility criteria to maintain public trust.
For families in constituencies such as West Mugirango and Kiharu, bursaries are more than financial assistance.
They represent hope, stability and a pathway out of poverty.
Many beneficiaries who once faced the prospect of dropping out are now progressing to colleges and universities and preparing for skilled careers that will support their communities.
The future of these programmes, however, remains uncertain.
Following a High Court ruling that declared the NG-CDF unconstitutional, the fund is expected to cease operations on June 30, 2026 unless Parliament intervenes through new legislation or a successful appeal.
As the legal process unfolds, the fate of bursaries and other community projects supported by the fund continues to draw national attention, given the millions of Kenyans who rely on it for access to education and essential services.