Hundreds of learners from vulnerable families in Kapenguria Constituency are set to benefit from a Sh67 million bursary programme following its official launch by MP Samwel Moroto.
The bursary which was launched at AIC Karas Senior School combines support from the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and the West Pokot County Government and is expected to ease the financial burden on needy families and ensure that students remain in school without interruptions caused by school fee arrears.
The launch ceremony brought together education stakeholders, parents and local leaders, among them Senator Julius Murgor, Sigor MP Peter Lochakapong, West Pokot Women Rep. Rael Kasiwai and other elected leaders, all of whom reiterated the importance of investing in education as a pathway to transforming lives.
Addressing the gathering, MP Samwel Moroto described education as the greatest equalizer in society and urged parents to take advantage of the bursary programme by ensuring their children remain in school.
He said the Sh67 million bursary allocation demonstrates the government’s commitment to supporting vulnerable learners and reducing the financial barriers that often force students to miss classes or drop out of school.
“The government has played its part by providing bursaries through the NG-CDF, while the county government has also complemented these efforts. Our responsibility now is to ensure every child stays in school and takes advantage of this opportunity,” he said.
Beyond financial support, Moroto reaffirmed his commitment to improving learning conditions through infrastructure development. During the event, he laid the foundation stone for the construction of a Sh4 million boys’ dormitory with a capacity to accommodate 120 students.
The project, funded by the Ministry of Education, is expected to commence immediately and be completed before the end of the third school term.
The new dormitory will solve a long-standing accommodation challenge at the school, where boys have been sleeping in classrooms due to the lack of boarding facilities. Currently, only girls have a dormitory, which accommodates about 100 students.
The legislator also highlighted previous investments in the institution, noting that he had mobilized approximately Sh10 million for the construction of a modern dining hall and kitchen, both of which have been completed and are awaiting official commissioning.
Speaking during the launch, AIC Karas Senior School Principal Julius Longurareng expressed gratitude after the institution was selected from among the 73 secondary schools in Kapenguria Constituency to host the bursary launch.
He said the programme comes at an opportune time as learners prepare to resume classes after the half-term break.
Longurareng revealed that the school has an enrolment of 380 students, with more than half coming from vulnerable families who struggle to raise even the modest fees required in the day school.
He noted that teachers often face the difficult decision of whether to send students home over unpaid fees, adding that the school has instead relied on the limited government capitation to keep learners in class while parents make payment arrangements.
“This bursary is a great relief because it will benefit our most vulnerable learners. It means many of them will remain in school, have adequate time to study and continue pursuing their education without unnecessary interruptions,” he said.
The principal added that the Board of Management and teaching staff remain focused on improving the school’s academic performance by raising its mean grade.
Leaders also used the occasion to address the recent cases of unrest witnessed in schools across the country. Parents were urged to maintain close communication with their children and guide them on the consequences of indiscipline, while students were encouraged to openly share their grievances with teachers and school administrators so that disputes can be resolved through dialogue rather than destruction of school property.
The launch of the Sh67 million bursary programme, coupled with continued investment in school infrastructure, reflects the government’s commitment to expanding access to quality education and ensuring that financial hardship does not stand in the way of learners achieving their academic potential.
By Parklea Ivor
