On Friday, a distinguished member of the Siaya County Assembly, Township Ward MCA James Obiero Otare, undertook a significant charitable act by providing full school uniforms to 410 needy Form One students joining various local day-secondary schools in the area.
The uniform package comprised shirts or blouses, trousers or skirts, ties, blazers, and sweaters, ensuring that these students were fully equipped for their academic journey.
MCA Otare emphasized that his decision to donate these uniforms was not motivated by a desire to earn political favor.
Instead, he was driven by a commitment to support families in genuine need, with a keen focus on aiding those students who are eager to pursue their educational goals but face financial constraints.
"I am not doing this to get anything because you have elected me many times already. This is my third term in office as your MCA. I am doing this because I want my good deeds to follow me someday," he said.
Some students are supposed to transition from Class Eight into Form One but are coming from poor backgrounds and who without help cannot continue with their education, he said.
"My background inspires my actions. I would trek from Nyandiwa area all the way to Mwer Secondary School because we did not have much, growing up. So, I know what it means to lack," he stated.
For the 12th consecutive year, Township Ward MCA James Obiero Otare has undertaken the commendable initiative of purchasing school uniforms for financially challenged students set to enroll in local day schools.
Last year, Otare generously provided uniforms to 350 Form One students, and this year, he has increased the number, particularly recognizing the significance of this being the last cohort of the 8-4-4 education system.
Beyond the uniform donations, Otare is currently sponsoring the education of 13 students, two of whom are progressing to Form 4 at Mbaga and Rang'ala Girls High schools.
Emphasizing that this support comes directly from his own resources and contributions from a few friends, Otare's commitment to fostering education is evident.
Addressing the financial burden on parents, Otare urged them to take up the remaining responsibility of paying lunch fees (school fees), typically around Sh10,000.
Additionally, he encouraged parents and students to explore the Siaya County Bursary once admission numbers are obtained from their respective schools.
The student-beneficiaries thanked Otare for his generosity and good heart.
"We are very greatful for the work that he has done as nobody else has ever done it to us. We did not have uniforms but he has enabled us in a big way," said Tiko Anne Auma, who will be joining Mulaha Secondary School.
Another beneficiary, Wycliffe Oduor, who will be joining Siaya Township Secondary School, urged the MCA to continue doing good to all who are in need; promising to work hard in school to be able to hold other people's hands in future.
"Many students that Otare has supported are orphans. May God bless him in his endeavors," said Madam Grace of Lwala Kawuor Primary School who had escorted a student to the uniform distribution event.
Siaya Sub County Education Director Maurice Saka who attended the event applauded Otare for coming through for the children.
He equally called on parents not to leave parenting to teachers as the young ones, he noted, still need parental guidance to excel in life.
Siaya County Kenya National Union of Teachers (KNUT) Executive Secretary Alex Dunga asked parents to consider enrolling their children in local schools if they cannot afford to take them to the far-flung schools where they have been placed by the Ministry of Education..