Ndhiwa: Ndhiwa Legislator Martin Owino has called on the Ministry of Education to elevate three schools in his constituency-Mirogi Boys’, Magina Girls’, and Ratanga Boys Senior schools-to national-level status.
According to Kenya News Agency, Owino highlighted the absence of a category one (C1) school in his constituency, which has resulted in learners moving out to join national schools elsewhere. He emphasized the need to retain top learners within the area to avoid the perception of poor academic performance in the constituency.
Homa Bay County currently has four national schools: Asumbi Girls, Ogande Girls, Mbita Boys, and Homa Bay High School. Owino noted that parents from Ndhiwa are choosing these schools due to their national status. “I appeal to the ministry to consider my request. It is absurd that an old constituency like mine cannot be without a national school,” he stated.
Owino further explained that the National Government Constituency Development (NG-CDF) fund in Ndhiwa supports many learners who study outside the region. He expressed a desire to attract students from other areas to Ndhiwa, aiming to increase social capital. The legislator addressed parents, urging them not to rush in sending their children to distant institutions, as local schools can also offer quality education.
During his address at Kaguria Senior Secondary School in South Kabuoch, Owino disbursed Sh 40 million to various secondary schools across the country, benefiting 7,129 students. Among them, 138 vulnerable students received full scholarships, with NG-CDF covering Sh 5.2 million for their education.
Additionally, over 31 million shillings were allocated to tertiary institutions to support the training of artisans, including plumbers, masons, and electricians, to promote self-employment. Owino also announced financial support for 200 students with disabilities, amounting to Sh 2 million.
In a broader effort to ensure no learner is sent home due to delayed government capitation, Owino distributed 990 bags of maize, 350 bags of beans, and 200 bags of green grams, sourced from the Child Welfare Society.
