Kilome Member of Parliament Theddeus Nzambia addressing University and College students at ABC Maiani Secondary School on December 27, 2025. Photo by Andrew Mbuva. 
By Andrew Mbuva
Kilome Member of Parliament Theddeus Nzambia has reaffirmed his long-standing commitment to education after allocating Sh75 million towards bursaries for students from his constituency this year, with Sh20 million earmarked for university and college students and Sh55 million set aside for secondary school learners.
Speaking on Saturday at ABC Maiani Secondary School during the annual university and college bursary application and mentorship forum, the MP said the initiative, now in its ninth year, remains a cornerstone of his leadership agenda.
Nzambia noted that since assuming office in 2017, he has consistently convened annual meetings with students pursuing higher education to support them financially and mentor them through their academic journeys.
“Every year, for the last nine years, we have met with our university and college students for two key reasons — bursary support and mentorship. We take time to guide them, understand their challenges, and closely monitor their academic progress,” he said.
The MP revealed that his education support programme began immediately after he was elected to Parliament, targeting needy, very needy, and bright students, including orphans. He said some of the beneficiaries who received sponsorship in 2017 have since completed their university education, while others are still pursuing their studies.
“This year, we are even celebrating students we started supporting back in 2017. Some have already graduated, and others are still in university. We encourage students to openly share the challenges they face so that we can walk with them through their academic life,” Nzambia added.
According to the MP, more than 4,000 students attended this year’s forum. Continuing students were not required to submit fresh applications, as their details are already on record, with the exercise focusing mainly on verification. Only first-year students who recently joined universities and colleges were required to apply.
Nzambia said beneficiaries will begin collecting their bursary cheques between the 5th and 7th as they head back to their institutions. He noted that while the bursary amounts may not cover full fees, they are meant to supplement HELB loans by easing accommodation costs and part of tuition expenses.
“We give them a boost, especially those already benefiting from HELB, to help with accommodation and other pressing needs,” he explained.
On secondary school bursaries, the MP said the constituency has allocated Sh55 million, but disbursement will be done once admission letters for incoming Grade 10 students are released, expected between now and the end of January. He said data for continuing secondary school students, particularly those transitioning from Form Two to Form Three, is already available.
“I want to give parents time to get admission letters for the Grade 10 students so that they can also benefit. Education is my first priority. I cannot touch any other project before ensuring our children access education,” Nzambia emphasized.
He reiterated his long-held education mantra, “Kisomo Mbee”, noting that investing in education remains the most sustainable development strategy for the constituency.
The MP also used the forum to facilitate voter registration and national ID processing for eligible students. In collaboration with the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC), students studying far from the constituency — including those in Maseno, Kirinyaga and Mombasa — were registered to avoid missing the opportunity once schools reopen.
“This was a chance to ensure our young people are not left out of the democratic process,” he said.
The annual bursary and mentorship programme has become a key platform for engaging students, offering both financial relief and guidance, while reinforcing Kilome’s focus on education as a driver of long-term development.
