Rosa Buyu Backs Education Bill as Sh37m Bursary Benefits 3,740 Students

Kisumu West MP Rosa Buyu has endorsed a bill aimed at streamlining education funding to make university and college education more attainable for Kenyan students. In an effort to assist 3,740 students from Kisumu West Constituency, Buyu commended the disbursement of Sh37 million in bursary cheques during a recent ceremony. She highlighted the growing financial challenges faced by families and the escalating cost of education, emphasizing that the current bursary system falls short in meeting student needs.

Buyu advocated for a more sustainable approach through the proposed legislation, which would consolidate education funds to ensure students can pursue higher education without the burden of excessive fees. She expressed support for a unified funding system, with proposed allocations of Sh12,000 for university students, Sh8,000 for college students, and Sh6,000 for learners in smaller institutions.

Buyu cautioned that one-off bursary payments may not be sustainable, especially for students who cannot cover subsequent semesters' fees from family support. She argued that free tertiary education would alleviate financial pressures and prevent students from dropping out due to financial hardships. The bursary programme, which operates at the ward level, targets needy students in Kisumu West Constituency, with applications collected annually starting in January.

Buyu stressed that the programme does not discriminate based on political affiliation, offering assistance to any registered voter who demonstrates financial need. She welcomed President William Ruto's recent tour of Nyanza, praising the President's focus on development projects that benefit residents, including infrastructure improvements and economic initiatives.

Buyu emphasized that these investments, coupled with educational advancements, would enhance the quality of life for residents in Kisumu West and the broader Nyanza region.