Tharaka Nithi’s Maara Constituency is celebrating the remarkable performance of students supported by the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) bursary program in the 2024 Kenya Certificate of Secondary Education (KCSE) examinations. These bursaries have provided critical financial assistance to bright and needy students, enabling them to achieve their academic dreams despite challenging circumstances.
Exceptional Achievements by Bursary Beneficiaries
Terran Baraka Mwenda – Chogoria Boys High School
Terran Baraka Mwenda emerged as one of the standout performers, scoring an impressive A Plain (83 points). Raised by his grandmother, Baraka faced numerous hardships, including caring for his Grade 6 brother and his grandmother, who suffers from dementia and hypertension.
“The CDF bursary enabled me to study without worrying about fees despite the challenges at home,” Baraka shared.
Motivated by the loss of his mother in Class Six, Baraka aspires to study medicine to help others overcome illness. He now appeals to well-wishers for support in pursuing his university education.
Curtis Mwenda – Kiriani Mixed Day Secondary School
Curtis Mwenda, another beneficiary, scored a B- in the 2024 KCSE exams. Initially uncertain about joining secondary school due to financial constraints, Curtis discovered the Maara Bursary Programme, which supported him throughout his studies.
“I wouldn’t have joined secondary school without this bursary. It gave me hope and made it possible to pursue my education,” he said.
Curtis dreams of studying education at the university.
Samwel Kinyua – Meru School
Samwel Kinyua, who achieved an A-, credits his success to the bursary program and additional support from well-wishers. Despite financial struggles, his aspirations of becoming an Aeronautical Engineer are now within reach.
“My grade is a testament to the impact of the bursary program, and I look forward to pursuing my dream course at the university,” Kinyua stated.
Other Notable Performers
- Mark Dennis Munene and Alex Mutethia: Both scored C+ at Giampampo Day Secondary School.
- Kelvin Mwenda: Achieved a B- at Kianjagi Day Secondary School.
- Martin Mutuma and Ian Muthomi: Scored C+ at Kianjagi Secondary School.
Maara Constituency’s Investment in Education
Maara Member of Parliament (MP) Kareke Mbiuki lauded the impressive results, emphasizing the transformative role of the bursary program. He highlighted significant improvements in 2024 compared to 2023 and attributed the success to collaborative efforts between teachers, students, and stakeholders.
In his congratulatory message, MP Mbiuki stated:
- The 2024-2025 Financial Year budget includes additional funds for bursaries to ensure smooth university transitions for students.
- He urged the government to streamline the new university funding model.
- He committed to further engaging stakeholders to enhance educational outcomes in the constituency.
“I want to congratulate all our 2024 KCSE candidates for making Maara shine brighter this year. The fruits of our investment in education are evident, and I thank everyone involved for their dedication,” Mbiuki said.
Impact of CDF Bursaries on Education
The Maara Constituency bursary program demonstrates the power of targeted financial support in transforming lives. By addressing education-related expenses, the program has enabled countless students to focus on their studies and achieve outstanding results.
Conclusion
The success of Tharaka Nithi’s bursary beneficiaries in the 2024 KCSE exams reflects the positive impact of community-driven initiatives like the CDF bursary program. These stories of resilience and achievement inspire hope for a brighter future, where education remains a cornerstone of development in Kenya.
