Malava MP Drops Bombshell: Only KSh 3M for Bursaries Instead of KSh 50M Needed! Parents Fear Students Could Miss School. What Do You Think Leaders Should Do?

Thousands of parents in Malava Constituency are facing uncertainty after area MP David Ndakwa revealed that the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) does not have enough money to support student bursaries this year.

Speaking during a media briefing at the Malava CDF offices, the MP disclosed that the constituency has been allocated only KSh 3 million for bursaries, a figure he admitted is far too small to support the many students who rely on the fund to stay in school.

Ndakwa had earlier promised that every student in day secondary schools would receive KSh 6,000 to help parents pay school fees.

However, the MP now says fulfilling that promise would require about KSh 50 million, far beyond the current allocation.

“I will explore other means to support my students in Malava after the new CDF fund manager confirmed that there are not enough funds,” Ndakwa said.

According to the MP, much of the CDF budget has been used to complete classroom construction projects that were started during the tenure of the late Malava MP Malulu Injendi.

The projects helped expand learning facilities across the constituency but left fewer resources for bursary programs meant to assist needy students.

The MP revealed that the constituency received a total of 19,957 bursary applications from secondary school students. Among them were 8,200 Form Three and Four students from schools within the constituency, 4,400 students from sub-county schools, and about 10,000 applicants from county schools.

Another 1,500 Form Three and Four students from outside the constituency but studying in national, extra-county, county, and sub-county schools also applied for bursaries. The applicants included persons living with disabilities and special needs (213), partial orphans (667), and non-locals (612).

During the 2024/2025 financial year disbursement, sub-county school learners received KSh 2,000 each, while those in county and extra-county schools received KSh 2,500. Students in national schools, colleges, persons living with disabilities (PLWDs), and total orphans each received KSh 5,000.

The Malava Constituency CDF is allocated approximately KSh 189 million each financial year.

To help manage education funding, the MP formed a committee chaired by Dr. Elisha Nyamu, the principal of Shamberere National Polytechnic, alongside other education stakeholders. The team was tasked with guiding how the limited bursary funds would be distributed among schools in Malava.

The announcement has sparked concern among many families in Malava Constituency, especially those from low-income households who depend on CDF bursaries to keep their children in school.

With school fees already a burden for many parents, the revelation has left many wondering how they will pay for the next term.

Despite the challenge, the MP says his office is exploring alternative ways to support students while discussions continue with education stakeholders.