By Betty Luke
Isiolo Parents Association has threatened to hold peaceful demonstrations if the county government does not roll out issuance of bursaries to needy learners in a week’s time.
Led by their Chairperson and Isiolo Sub-County counterpart Ismael Galma and Mohammed Sora, respectively, the parents accused Governor Mohammed Kuti’s administration of failure to take care of the needs of learners from poor families.
The parents’ officials said many learners were forced to join secondary schools late as their parents could not afford their entire fees among other needed items, forcing them to reach out to well wishers whose aid came in late.
They said it was unfortunate that while other counties are launching bursary programs to benefit needy students, local elected leaders were giving empty promises.
“We have seen several counties launching bursaries for their needy learners but we wonder what is wrong with our county,” said Mr Galma.
The group intends to mobilise parents and learners from all over the county to hold peaceful demonstrations and demand for a solution if Governor Kuti’s administration will not have offered a lasting solution to the challenges learners from needy families continue to face.
“We will bring parents and learners on board if nothing will be done by October 27 and we will demand a clear explanation from the administration,” Mr Sora said.
He accused local leaders of lacking good will in empowering the young people in the society blaming it on the worsening education standards.
Governor Kuti, two months ago, signed an amended to the Bursary Act that he said would allow smooth disbursement of the funds to needy learners whose parents have been struggling to keep them in school.
The governor said the Controller of Budget had blocked funds due to some deficits which were rectified and promised that bursary would be given priority in the supplementary budget.
“Bursaries will be given priority in the supplementary budget during the first quarter of the year and will immediately be disbursed to the needy learners,” Dr Kuti then assured.
