By Reuben Olitaย
Teso North Constituency has recorded a historic milestone after disbursing Ksh79 million in education bursaries, benefiting thousands of learners across the region.
Area MP Dr. Oku Kaunya on Monday presided over the issuance of bursary cheques at St Josephโs Kocholia High School and Albert Ekirapa Secondary School, where 9,400 students from the four divisions of Kamolo, Amagoro, Angurai, and Changara received support.
Massive support for learners
Out of the total allocation:
Ksh40 million was directed to secondary school students, each receiving Ksh5,000.
60 students in national schools are on full scholarships.
Vulnerable learnersโincluding orphans and destitute casesโare set to be upgraded to full sponsorships.
Kaunya also revealed plans to expand scholarships in specialized fields such as medicine, engineering, and law.
Investing in excellence
In a standout achievement, the MP announced sponsorship of pilot training, with:
Alex Oluka (Kolanya Boys) and Yvonne Duwa (Kengatuny) completing private and commercial pilot training, costing Ksh10 million each.
Both are now set to undertake multi-engine certification before qualifying to fly commercial aircraft.
Additionally, 400 KMTC students from the constituency have been offered full
scholarships todate under the NG-CDF program.
Academic progress and ambition
Kaunya lauded schools in the constituency for improved performance, singling out:
Salvation Army Kolanya Girls National School
Emerging performers like St Peters Katanyu and St Jude Onyunyur.
For the first time, 868 students from Teso North qualified for university, with a target of over 1,000 students next year.
Addressing education challenges
The MP urged principals not to send students home over fees, emphasizing that:
Increased contact time improves performance
Schools should accept alternative fee payments such as foodstuffs, livestock, or building materials.
With poverty levels in the sub-county estimated at 64%, Kaunya stressed inclusivity in education access.
Infrastructure and motivation
Plans are underway for a new dormitory at St Josephโs Kocholia Secondary
St Peters Katanyu and St Benedict Kakurikit are set to receive a school bus each.
The constituency is considering an Education Day to reward academic excellence and appreciate good performance.
Leaders commend initiative
Officials present praised the timely disbursement:
KESSHA Chairman Johannes Ayungo commended the early release of bursaries, breaking a three-year trend of delays
Deputy County Commissioner Solomon Kitai assured transparency and fairness in beneficiary selection.
Education official Vincent Ouma termed the funds a major relief for parents.
Meanwhile, Malaba South MCA Bonface Mamai noted that delays in county bursaries have left MPs carrying the burden, with hopes that county support will soon resume after two years protracted battle with Controller of Budgets.
Beyond education
Kaunya also announced:
An upcoming ID registration drive targeting youth and women facing documentation challenges
A call for residents to register as voters.
Bottom line:
The Ksh79 million bursary rollout marks a transformative investment in education in Teso Northโexpanding access, boosting performance, and opening doors for students to pursue ambitious careers both locally and internationally.
Improved education performance
KESSHA Chairman Johannes Ayungo thanked the MP for early release of bursaries
Kaunya also received accolades for not interfering with management of local schools.
DCC Solomon Kitai said the bursary is meant to ensure 100 percent transition.
They included Deputy OCPD Chris Bahati Ojwang, Assistant County Commissioner Mercy Ndungire, and Bishop Joel Imaidoi of Independent Presbyterian Church.
