Ruiru struggles to meet rising demand for school bursaries

Ruiru, the most populous constituency in Kiambu County and arguably in the country, is increasingly being overwhelmed by the high demand for bursary allocations to needy learners.

With a population of about one million people, the constituency has seen thousands of learners apply for bursaries every year, presenting a major challenge to the constituency management office.

This has prompted the management to devise ways of meeting the growing demand for bursaries, including sourcing funds initially meant for development projects.

Out of 50,000 applicants this year, at least 25,000 beneficiaries from needy families were vetted and allocated between Sh4,000 and Sh7,000 each.

Speaking during the disbursement of bursary cheques worth Sh132 million on Saturday, area Member of Parliament Simon King'ara said his office had to write to the National Government-Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) seeking approval to use funds meant for development projects.

“Ruiru was initially allocated Sh80 million, which was not enough to meet the huge demand for bursaries. We had to forego some projects worth about Sh65 million, which were later compensated for by the national government through different ministries and departments,” he explained.

However, King’ara pointed out that the affected projects, including the construction of classrooms, were not stalled since the national government had taken over their funding.

Students in day secondary schools received Sh4,000 each, while those in boarding secondary schools and tertiary institutions received Sh7,000 each.

Parents who had jammed the venue to collect their cheques welcomed the increased allocations compared to last year, when day scholars received Sh3,000 and boarders Sh5,000.

The MP said the continued construction of new schools and additional classrooms in Ruiru Constituency has significantly eased congestion in public learning institutions within the rapidly growing constituency.

“New schools such as Mutuya Primary School, which has recorded a growth of over 300 percent, and Mwalimu Farm Primary School have greatly reduced pressure on older institutions,” King’ara added.

The second-term MP added that Mwiki Primary School is currently under construction and will have 16 new classrooms once completed, while Kimbo Primary School is also expanding, with its pupil population now approaching 4,000.

According to the MP, Ruiru Constituency now has close to one million residents, a population surge driven largely by rapid urbanisation, real estate development, and its proximity to Nairobi.

This growth, he noted, has put immense pressure on social amenities, particularly schools, prompting calls for the constituency to be split into three to improve service delivery.

King’ara said most public schools in the constituency are currently benefiting from ongoing classroom construction projects funded through the NG-CDF, aimed at improving learning conditions and reducing overcrowding.

Ruiru is one of Kiambu County’s fastest-growing urban centres, hosting several industrial zones, universities, and large housing estates, factors that continue to attract families and increase demand for education and other public services.

“I started receiving bursary support for my son when my first-born joined secondary school. Now I have three children, all benefiting from the NG-CDF kitty. It is a good initiative for less privileged families like ours,” said Easter Nzioki, a beneficiary.

Parents and guardians also appealed to the government to consider doubling or tripling the bursary allocation to Ruiru due to the large number of needy learners.

Harry Kimani, another beneficiary, decried delays in the disbursement of capitation funds to schools, noting that parents are often forced to contribute money to meet some school expenses.

“As you can see, all these people have come here because they are needy. We are now about one million people in this constituency, and something needs to be done so that parents can receive more support from the kitty. However, we appreciate the little we have received,” Kimani said.

A week ago, neighbouring Thika Town Constituency disbursed Sh81 million to beneficiaries across its five wards: Kamenu, Gatuanyaga, Ngoliba, Township, and Hospital wards.

Area Member of Parliament Alice Ng'ang'a said the constituency received a total of 16,000 applications across all wards, noting that all qualified applicants were considered, with funds distributed equitably among secondary and special schools.

“All our students in boarding schools will receive Sh5,000, while those in special schools will receive Sh10,000. Funds for day secondary school students have already been sent to their respective schools. University and tertiary institution students will receive their allocations later,” Ng’ang’a said.

A month ago, Juja NG-CDF disbursed Sh73 million to over 14,000 beneficiaries.

“I prioritize education because I understand the pain and frustration parents go through when their children are sent home due to school fees. By investing in bursaries and supporting learners, we ensure our children stay in class and our families keep hope alive,” Koimburi said.