NG-CDF Bursary Application Guide: How to Complete the Form and Increase Your Chances of Success

The NG-CDF bursary is the most important bursary scheme in Kenya, whose intention is to help financially disadvantaged students continue their education. With understanding on how to fill in the NG-CDF bursary application form, your indices for gaining this very vital support will be maximally enhanced. This guide walks you through the process using a Nyatike Constituency form and provides some tips so applications stand out in the application.

Background and Significance

The NG-CDF bursary is a scheme by the Kenyan government to make education accessible by way of sponsorship. Each constituency in Kenya has an NG-CDF office, which disburses the bursary to poor, deserving students in the constituency. These bursaries target different cadres of education, from the secondary school level all the way to colleges and universities.

When to Apply

The opening of applications for the NG-CDF bursary is usually towards the end of the year, while the deadline is usually mid-January of the following year. For instance, the closing date in Nyatike Constituency was 10 January 2022. Specific dates need to be checked in your local NG-CDF office or from their website.

Disbursements

Disbursements for NG-CDF are done several times every year to each constituency. The fund is managed by area elected member of parliament who relies on the constituency based board in allocation to various projects inclusing bursaries. Kenyans can check on the national website for the NG-CDF board to see various disbursements here: https://ngcdf.go.ke/, and select the tab “Disbursements”. A sample of the Bursary application form can be downloaded here.

Manual to Fill the Form

Remember each constituency has it’s own application form that is avaiable at any of the constituency based NG-CDF offices. In some cases, the forms might be available for downloading such as a sample that we’ve provided for Naytike constituency.

1. Personal InformationStart by filling the personal details of the applicant:
   • Name: Fill using the exact name as it appears on official documents.
   • Gender and Date of Birth: Indicate your gender by ticking the appropriate gender and stating your date of birth.
   • ID/Passport Number: Fill in your correct identification number.
2. Institutional DetailsFill in information about your educational institution thus:
   • Name of School/College/University: State the full name of your institution.
   • Admission/Registration Number: Include student’s unique number.
   • Course and Mode of Study: Clearly indicate the course for which admission is sought and the mode of study (Regular, Parallel, Boarding, or Day).
3. Contact InformationEnsure that your contact information is clearly written and current:
   • Mobile/Telephone Number: Fill in a valid contact number.
   • Polling Station, Ward, Location, and Sub-location: Indicate the correct polling station, ward, location, and sub-location where you reside.
4. Family BackgroundIndicate your family’s economic status and structure:
   • Status of Parents: Mention whether both parents are alive, one dead, or both dead. Give information about the surviving parents or guardian.
   • Estimated Family Income and Expenses: Make an estimate and fill up the proforma of estimated annual family income and expenses. Enclose a copy of the death certificate if any.
5. Academic PerformanceYour academic performance will be taken into consideration in the shortlisting:
   • Standard Performance: Put a tick in the appropriate box (Excellent, Very Good, Good, Fair, Poor).
   • Statement of Fees: Fee Details of current, last semester’s/term’s, and next semester’s/term’s.
6. RefereesProvide the names and contact information of at least two referees well known to your family:
   • Names of Referee and Contact Info: The references provided should be in a position to endorse your family’s financial situation and character.
7. DeclarationThe statements must be signed by both the student and the parent/guardian pertaining to the truthfulness of all the information.

Inclusion on the Application Form

The application form shall be attached with the following documents:

• Student’s Transcript/Report Form
• Photocopy of Parent’s/Guardian’s National Identity Card
• Photocopy of Student’s National Identity Card for post-secondary school
• Photocopy of Birth Certificate
• Photocopy of School/College/University ID Card
• Parents’ Death Certificate/Burial Permit in case of orphans
• Current Fees Structure
• Admission Letters in case of colleges and universities

Tips to Increase Your Chances of Approval

• Submit complete applications: All sections should be correctly filled, and all documents required attached.
• Provide accurate information: Misrepresentation of facts is ground for disqualification.
• Beat the deadline: Submit your application before the deadline.
• Seek recommendations: Attach recommendation letters from your school or local leaders to enhance your application.
• Demonstrate need: Clearly indicate your financial need on the application form.

Conclusion

Ensure that the NG-CDF bursary application form is filled correctly and fully; it will point out to you a higher chance of winning financial aid. You are, therefore, expected to follow the steps provided in this guide, provide correct information, and attach all necessary documents. By so doing, you will be well on your way to getting support for furthering your education. Always check in your local NG-CDF office or visit their official website for more information and specific deadlines.