County Bursaries and Scholarships Banned as Governors Protest New Rules.
A directive by the Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang’o, has placed county bursary and scholarship programs in jeopardy.
Nyakang’o stated that any requisition for funds to perform functions under the national government must include an intergovernmental agreement.
This move has raised concerns about its potential to leave thousands of students without access to education.
In her communication to County Executive Committee members in charge of finance, Nyakang’o emphasized that counties must comply with the legal framework governing national government functions.
She pointed out that county governments offering educational support must first transfer the function through proper agreements.
Governors Push Back
Governors across the country have expressed disapproval, claiming the directive undermines their approved budgets.
They argue that bursaries, which have been allocated in most county budgets since July, were sanctioned by Nyakang’o herself. They question why the directive is being issued now, mid-implementation.
In response, governors have requested an urgent meeting with the Controller of Budget to resolve the matter. They allege political motives behind the decision and demand a review to prevent disruptions in bursary disbursements.
ODM governors, in a statement, called for equitable measures that respect constitutional responsibilities shared by both levels of government.
Launch of Bursary Programs
At Masaba Primary School in Kimilili, Bungoma County, Governor George Natembeya presided over the launch of a bursary program where Ksh 110 million was allocated to support needy secondary school students.
However, the future of such initiatives hangs in the balance following the directive. County officials warn that delays could leave many students stranded.
The Intergovernmental Relations Committee (IGC) has supported the Controller of Budget’s directive, urging counties to engage with the national government to formalize partnerships.
The committee highlighted that similar agreements have worked successfully in other functions. They also recommended consolidating bursary funds under the Ministry of Education, where school principals can identify deserving students directly.
Proposed Solutions
The IGC has proposed convening an education sector forum to address the issue. This platform would allow stakeholders to deliberate on areas of disagreement and seek viable solutions. Recommendations include:
- Intergovernmental Agreements: Counties should formalize educational support through legal partnerships with the national government.
- Centralized Fund Management: Bursary funds could be managed centrally by the Ministry of Education to ensure equitable distribution.
- Stakeholder Dialogue: An education sector forum should be organized to facilitate discussions among relevant parties.
Read Also: Govt Suspends University Fees for First and Second Years Over Funding Dispute
Potential Impact on Students
The directive has sparked concerns over the immediate impact on students, particularly those fully dependent on county bursaries for their education. Without swift resolution, thousands could face interruptions in their studies.
This unfolding issue underscores the critical need for coordination between county and national governments to safeguard the educational futures of Kenya’s youth.
County Bursaries and Scholarships Banned as Governors Protest New Rules.
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