Public Service, Human Capital Development, and Special Programmes Cabinet Secretary Geoffrey Ruku has hit back at former CS Justin Muturi over his recent criticism of the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) bursaries.
Speaking during the Mazingira Day celebrations at Gituburi Primary School in Mbeere North, Embu County, CS Ruku described Muturi’s remarks as misleading and detached from the realities faced by Kenyan parents. Muturi had earlier called for the scrapping of the NG-CDF bursary programme, arguing that it has failed to reach all deserving students.
Ruku countered these claims, asserting that during his tenure as Mbeere North MP, every student who applied for the bursary received support. He said the programme has been instrumental in reducing the financial burden of school fees for many parents, especially in semi-arid regions like Mbeere, where economic hardships are prevalent.
“The bursary programme remains a lifeline for vulnerable households, keeping children in school and supporting their dreams,” Ruku said. “It’s only those without children in school who fail to understand what parents are going through.”
He warned that calls to abolish the fund could jeopardize educational access for thousands of students nationwide. Ruku also urged Mbeere North residents to elect leaders who support the NG-CDF bursary initiative, endorsing Leonard Wamuthende as the preferred UDA candidate in the upcoming by-election.
Turning to environmental matters, the CS led tree-planting efforts in line with the Mazingira Day theme, “Citizen-Centric Tree Growing and Environmental Stewardship.” He emphasized that tree planting in arid areas like Mbeere North is a practical solution to climate change and water scarcity.
Ruku urged residents to support President William Ruto’s plan to plant 15 billion trees, calling it a patriotic duty and a path toward job creation and youth empowerment.
“Let’s not just plant trees let’s grow them,” he said. “The journey to a greener and more resilient Kenya begins with each of us.”
