Needy secondary school students from Mekenene Ward on Monday morning received Sh2 million to settle their outstanding balances.
An audit was done to ascertain the balances owed by the students in all secondary schools in the area before the final list was settled on.
Speaking at Chepilat Township in a meeting attended by parents of the beneficiaries, area MCA, Alfayo Ngeresa said he was keen on supporting education in the region and reducing the burden of poor families.
Ngeresa challenged the Nyamira County government to fasten the discussion on the proposed Ward Development Fund that he says has been delayed despite the assembly having passed it.
“As leaders, we are always keen to support education. This is the only way we can effectively fight poverty, ignorance and diseases. It must be clear that only students from vulnerable families are given first priority. However, the county government should adopt the Ward Development Fund that we had supported as an assembly to empower us in promoting service delivery to people,” he said.
Ngeresa challenged the Ministry of Education to carry out an audit to ensure schools from the region didn't charge excess fees in contravention to guidelines in place.
“The truth of the matter is that our schools are still overcharging students. They are imposing some irregular fees to parents. The Ministry should carry an audit to ensure the Mwiria report on fee payment is adopted by all schools,” Ngeresa said.
During the function, an estimated 300 students benefited from the kitty where each students received between Sh5000 and Sh20,000.