Some 100 needy students from Muhoroni and Nyakach Sub-Counties in Kisumu County have received a lifeline after the Office of the Senator disbursed bursary cheques, easing the burden of school fees.
Through the Watoto Wasome Initiative, spearheaded by Senator Prof Tom Ojienda, Sh4.25 million has been set aside to benefit needy students countywide.
Speaking during the cheques distribution exercise, the Senator’s Office Manager, Seth Okumu said the imitative targeted learners from disadvantaged backgrounds, including orphans, children living with disabilities and students from low-income households.
A total of 50 students from North Nyakach Ward in Nyakach Sub-County and another 50 from Ombeyi Ward in Muhoroni Sub-County benefited from the latest disbursement.
Okumu said the bursary program fulfils a pledge made by Senator Ojienda during a visit to Ombeyi Ward, where he had delivered relief food to families affected by floods.
“When the Senator visited Ombeyi Ward to support families affected by floods with relief food, he pledged to install a floodlight and provide school bursaries to deserving students.
That promise is becoming a reality today,” Okumu said.
The initiative, he added, reaffirms Prof. Ojienda’s unwavering commitment to fairness, inclusivity, and equal access to educational support and ensuring that no deserving student is left behind due to financial challenges.
Okumu acknowledged that the Constitution primarily assigns senators the roles of legislation, oversight and representation, but said Prof. Ojienda has gone beyond those mandates by initiating development-oriented programs aimed at improving the lives of residents.
“Senator Ojienda believes that constitutional responsibilities alone are not enough to create a significant impact in the lives of wananchi. That is why he continuously develops programs that directly benefit the people,” he said.
by Robert Ojwang’
