By Collins Wanzallah
Landi Mawe Member of County Assembly (MCA), Simon Maina Mugo, also known as Mitche, has distributed over Sh2.3 million in bursary funds to needy students in his ward. The funds, sourced from the office of Nairobi County Governor Johnson Sakaja, were distributed to students whose parents applied for the assistance earlier in January.
During the distribution event held on Saturday, Mugo emphasized the importance of parents promptly depositing the issued cheques to their respective schools, warning that the cheques have a limited validity period. “Please ensure that you take the cheques to the schools where your children are enrolled. Once they expire, they cannot be used again, and I will not be able to assist you immediately if the cheque is expired,” Mugo cautioned.
Mugo addressed concerns about fairness in the distribution of bursaries, asserting that all communities within his ward benefited from the funds. He refuted allegations that he had favored certain groups, particularly those from Murang’a County, his place of origin. “I am committed to serving all residents of my ward, regardless of their background,” he stated, dismissing the tribalism claims as baseless propaganda.
In addition to the bursary distribution, Mugo provided updates on several development projects in the area. He announced that the construction of a hospital by the county government would soon begin on a piece of public land that was previously occupied by a private school without government teachers. This project is expected to improve access to healthcare for the residents of Landi Mawe.
Furthermore, Mugo mentioned that the national government, through the Kenya Urban Roads Authority (KURA), is considering the repair of a deteriorating bridge in the area, which has been a concern for local residents.
On the issue of people displaced during recent floods, Mugo stated that it was in the best interest of the national government to relocate those who had encroached on riparian land. He clarified that he did not have the authority to reinstate them to their former homes, noting the importance of adhering to regulations to prevent future disasters.
The event was also attended by the area assistant chief, Chrisantus Malala, who urged the local youth to prioritize their education and avoid engaging in criminal activities. He emphasized that education is a key pathway to a better future and that the bursary funds should be seen as an opportunity to advance academically.