A group of parents from Emabungo ward in Vihiga is demanding an explanation from the county government regarding alleged bounced bursary cheques.
Addressing the matter at Kima, the parents said certain secondary schools imposed fines on them after discovering that they had submitted empty cheques as part of the county government’s assistance for school fees.
Judith Olenja, expressing her concerns, stated, “I have a student at Kevehe Girls high school who received an allocation of Sh3,000 from the Emabungo ward bursary committee. However, I was taken aback when the school informed me that the cheque had bounced, resulting in an additional fine of Sh1,000.”
Melisa Ndale, another parent, reported that her child was listed as a beneficiary but did not receive the cheque due to a purported lack of a chequebook.
Expressing their dissatisfaction, another parent stated, “Our governor needs to thoroughly investigate this situation. If any wrongdoing is uncovered, those responsible should face severe consequences.”
This parent further criticized the unequal distribution, noting that some individuals openly boast about receiving Ksh.20,000 bursary cheques while others are allocated only Ksh.3,000.
Expressing their disappointment with their local Member of County Assembly (MCA), Michael Okoba, the parents indicated that he had not adequately addressed their grievances. They even threatened to organize protests to demand justice.
On his part, the Emabungo ward MCA confirmed receiving complaints from approximately seventeen parents regarding the issue of bounced cheques.
“The County’s education department is investigating the provision of blank cheques to certain students while other beneficiaries were overlooked. I assure you that this problem will not recur,” assured Okoba, who also serves as the Chair of the Vihiga County Assembly Education Committee.
