By Treezer Michelle Atieno
Kisumu West residents have received news regarding the disbursement of Constituency Development Fund (CDF) school fees bursaries, marking an improvement in the previous system. In the past, disparities were evident, with some applicants receiving nothing while others as much as 10,000 shillings. However, this year, all applicants received a standardized amount, with day scholars receiving 3,000 shillings and high school students 5,000 shillings. The CDF, a government initiative established in 2003, enables MPs to implement development projects in their constituencies. The education sector is one of the primary areas of focus for CDF funds, and bursaries are a crucial part of this effort. The bursaries aim to provide financial assistance to needy students, reducing the burden of education costs for their families and ensuring that deserving students can access quality education.
In previous years, the disbursement of CDF bursaries in Kisumu West was unstandardized, with some applicants receiving significantly higher amounts than others. This inconsistency created a sense of unfairness and inequality among the recipients, with some feeling they were not receiving adequate support despite their financial needs.
However, this year’s announcement of a standardized amount for all successful applicants marks a positive change in the situation for Kisumu West residents. The decision to allocate a fixed sum of 3,000 shillings for day scholars and 5,000 shillings for high school students demonstrates the CDF committee’s commitment to ensuring equal support for all recipients in meeting their educational expenses. This approach not only promotes fairness and transparency in resource allocation but also ensures that every student receives the necessary assistance. Moreover, the uniform amount is likely to benefit more students compared to previous years when only a select few received substantial amounts. This increased reach will ensure that more students can access quality education without worrying about financial constraints.
However, it is essential to consider that while the uniform amount may promote equality among recipients, it may not adequately address the unique financial needs of each student. For instance, students from low-income families may still find it challenging to cover their education expenses even with the bursary amount. Therefore, there is a need for additional support mechanisms to complement the CDF bursaries and provide comprehensive assistance to needy students.
