Education stakeholders in Kilifi County have strongly defended the NG-CDF and county bursary programs amid growing concerns over proposed reforms that could potentially phase out the funds.
Speaking during the disbursement of bursary cheques worth Ksh41.5 million under the NG-CDF, local leaders and residents underscored the critical role the funds play in supporting needy students.
The event comes ahead of public participation forums on the NG-CDF Amendment Bill 2025, which the National Assembly has scheduled for next week.
Malindi MP Amina Mnyazi cautioned that abolishing the NG-CDF would cut off a vital support system for many families.
“If CDF is abolished today, where do you expect all these parents to get help from? Even if they are getting small amounts, it is better than nothing at all,” she stated.
Chairman of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association in Kilifi County, Emmanuel Kitsao, stressed the impact bursaries have on bright students from low-income families.
“There are many students from poor families who cannot continue with their studies. Most bright students come from poor families. When they get help, they can change the economic situations of their families,” he said.
Malindi residents Stephen Opiyo and Agnes Annah echoed his sentiments calling for more financial resources to the kitties instead of abolishing them altogether.
