Matayos: Matayos Member of Parliament Geoffrey Odanga has called on school heads to actively engage parents regarding the payment of school fees to prevent students from being sent home. Speaking at St Mary’s Burumba Secondary School during the distribution of a Sh67 million bursary, Odanga highlighted the adverse impact on academic performance caused by students spending excessive time out of class.
According to Kenya News Agency, Odanga emphasized that the responsibility of paying school fees lies with the parents, not the students. He expressed concern over the frequent sight of students being sent home to collect fees, urging parents facing financial difficulties to communicate with teachers to find solutions. To support this initiative, the bursary allocation per student has been increased from Sh4,000 to Sh5,000 to ensure continued school attendance.
The lawmaker outlined the allocation of the bursary funds: 5,131 students within the sub-county received Sh5,000 each, amounting to Sh25,695,000, while students from the sub-county studying elsewhere were allocated Sh2,030,500. Additionally, 4,000 students in tertiary institutions benefited from Sh20 million, and 200 students with special needs received Sh2 million. Odanga noted that a total of 13,400 students had applied for bursary support in the constituency.
Odanga also addressed the ongoing debate about transferring the management of NG-CDF funds to County Governments, arguing that such a move could hinder access to quality education. He criticized the inadequate utilization of funds by county governors and stressed the importance of continuing to support needy families through national government projects.
Expressing his dissatisfaction with the frequent transfers of teachers by the Teachers Service Commission, Odanga called for stability, emphasizing the need for teachers to build relationships with students and the community to improve academic outcomes. He advocated for retaining teachers for longer periods unless there are valid reasons for transfers.
In addition, Odanga instructed school heads to release examination certificates to graduates, following government directives. He warned that withholding certificates is detrimental to students’ futures.
Finally, Odanga urged parents to fulfill their responsibilities in raising morally sound children and highlighted the rising issue of child trafficking in the county. He called for community vigilance and caution among children to prevent them from falling victim to traffickers.
