More than 100 needy and vulnerable students from Kibiri Ward in Karachuonyo constituency have benefitted from bursary cheques to support their education.

The bursary cheques worth Sh503,237 were distributed to the students courtesy of the Homa Bay County United Democratic Alliance (UDA) party organising secretary Kennedy Ongati.

Ongati argued that he chipped in to support the students to enable them to achieve their academic dreams.

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The students are reportedly bright but cannot progress with education because they lack school fees. They were worried about returning to school next week when schools will be opened due to lack of funds.

"Most identified students were on the verge of dropping out of school because of the fees problem. We want them to continue pursuing their academic dreams," Ongati said.

Speaking during distribution of the bursary cheques at Kadel Trading Centre in Kibiri Ward, Ongati said the majority of beneficiaries are in senior secondary schools.

Some are in tertiary colleges. During a meeting, parents whose children benefitted cited poverty as a big obstacle that prevent them from taking their children to school. Ongati said education is necessary for the economic growth of the society.

"Supporting the education of these children would enable us eradicate poverty in the future. Let's have other well-wishers join hands and support our children," he said.

Kanyipir Location Chief Israel Amadi said paying fees for such children enhances their retention in school. According to Amadi, such education support prevents young people from engaging in social ills.

"Poverty contributes to high cases of school dropout among the children from vulnerable families. Such support will make the learners to concentrate in their academic studies," Amadi said.

Parents led by Jackton Ogwenya and Rose Achieng said they will focus on providing other support after Ongati paid for their children's school fees. Ogwenya said most of them have sold cattle to support education of their children.

"I must appreciate the support we have received. I am among the parents who have sold my livestock to pay fees for my children," he said.

Achieng said she was stranded with her children as learners were preparing to return to schools next week.

"I encourage my child to work hard in class. Let beneficiaries not disappoint us," she said.