Kirinyaga County Women Representative Jane Njeri Maina has launched a foundation that will help vulnerable pupils access quality education through scholarships.
The ‘Mama Na Kazi’ Foundation (MNK Foundation) is one of the pillars under the MP’s Tupange Kesho programmes, funded through the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF) kitty.
The launch event, presided over by Deputy President Rigathi Gachagua, raised over Sh16 million towards the foundation that will be used to advance the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) on quality education, decent work, and economic growth among the residents of Kirinyaga County.
The DP praised the initiative, saying it is key to transforming the lives of many Kenyans, who are unable to access education or develop their individual talents.
Gachagua asked residents of the county to take advantage of good leadership and programmes by the Women Representative to change their fortunes.
“I ask you, the people of Kirinyaga, to take note of the good work Njeri is doing for the orphans and vulnerable people who need help to make their lives better. That is the kind of leadership we want,” said DP.
He further challenged MPs to focus on their mandate and channel their energies into serving the people who elected them into office. The event was held at Kutus Primary School, in Kirinyaga County.
On her part, Njeri thanked the Deputy President for gracing her event, saying the foundation seeks to make the lives of Kirinyaga residents better, adding that her aim is to ensure all eligible children have access to education so that in the long run they can attain economic growth.
“We aim at creating a county, where every individual has access to education that nurtures their potential and where economic growth is inclusive and sustainable, leaving no one behind,” Njeri said.
The MNK Foundation also facilitates skills development, supports entrepreneurship, and promotes gender equality and economic growth.
“We want to forge partnerships with governments, NGOs, educational institutions, businesses, and local communities to leverage collective expertise, resources, and networks and make the lives of our people better,” she said.
“We will embrace innovation and technology to develop scalable and sustainable solutions that address the evolving challenges in education and economic development,” Njeri added.
The women representative revealed that so far, over 200 women groups in Kirinyaga have benefited from the NGAAF Kitty and that she seeks to ensure more are empowered going forward.
“I have visited more than 200 villages to empower our women with funds from the NGAAF Kitty. More than 3,000 students have received bursaries. We have also disbursed Sh5 million to special needs students,” she said.
“Education is the greatest equalizer.” I hope there comes a day when education will be free for all. I am a champion for that,” she added.
Nandi Women Representative Cynthia Muge emphasised the role of education in society, especially among the women folk, more so as the opener to opportunities in and outside the country.
The legislators present praised the initiative, promising to ensure budgetary allocation for education is increased for more enrolment of pupils in basic and tertiary education.
However, Nandi Senator Samson Cherargei, present at the function, said he will push to have one national bursary kitty to ensure equality and equity among the beneficiaries countrywide.