The Uasin Gishu County Government has been urged to increase the education bursary fund to meet the increased number of bright and needy students.
Speaking in his office on Wednesday, Kamukunji Chief David Simatei said his location was given Sh1 million only which he said is is barely enough for the large number of needy students in the area.
“I have more than 600 needy families in my locatiom, each with three or more children in dire need of the bursary to stay in school. Sometimes I am forced assist them using my own means” he said.
Simatei explained that the 3 million allocated to each ward is divided among secondary school students, those in college and the physically challenged.
The chief regretted that there are able individuals who take advantage of the existence of the fund to serve their selfish needs.
He urged the national government to re-introduce the school feeding programme, free uniforms and writing materials since most of the needy families are struggling to keep their children in school.
He says these challenges are a contributor to poor performance by children from poor families and have led to some dropping out of school.