By Shaban Omar
Likoni MP Mishi Mboko has warned school heads against sending learners home over fee arrears, terming the practice punitive and unnecessary at a time when families across the country are struggling to keep children in school.
Mboko said principals should instead reach out to local leaders for support, noting that continued suspension of learners undermines efforts to promote education access for all.
βIt is wrong to send students home for school fees when families are already weighed down by the high cost of living,β she said during the disbursement of bursaries at Mwahima Stadium on Saturday.
Her remarks came as 12,184 learners from secondary schools, tertiary institutions, universities and Grade 10 in Likoni constituency received Sh75 million in bursaries, offering crucial relief to households grappling with the nationwide fee crisis.
The bursary distribution comes at a time when thousands of students, especially those transitioning to Grade 10, have been unable to report to school due to financial hardship.
Likoni is among regions facing similar challenges, with many bright learners stuck at home despite securing placements.
Mboko said the bursary programme is part of a deliberate effort to ensure no child misses school due to lack of fees.
She noted that while the county government is supplying food to secondary schools, her office is complementing the initiative by cushioning vulnerable families through bursaries.
βThe governor is supporting food programmes in secondary schools, and I am giving bursaries so that no student is left behind for lack of school fees,β she said.
The legislator added that the constituencyβs education agenda seeks to level the playing field between learners from privileged families and those from low-income backgrounds, stressing that education must remain a pathway out of poverty.
She further outlined her broader commitment to expanding education opportunities, including pushing for the employment of more teachers, constructing new classrooms and strengthening TVET institutions to create more training avenues for youth.
Mboko also challenged school heads to raise academic performance, saying that with adequate bursary support and improved school infrastructure, the community expects stronger results.
Likoni Sub-County Secondary Schools Heads Association chairperson Christine Ndara confirmed that schools have already received food supplies from the county government, helping stabilize learning.
She praised the MPβs continued support to the education sector and assured that principals are committed to improving academic performance to ensure value for public funds.
