Elimu Bora Group Backs Ban on County Bursaries.
As Kenya marked the International Day of Education, stakeholders voiced concerns over the increasing cost of education, which continues to hinder access for learners from underprivileged families. The high expenses have forced many needy students to rely heavily on bursaries.
The stakeholders, including the Elimu Bora Working Group, Kenya Devolution Civil Society Organizations (CSO) Working Group, and the Kenya Human Rights Commission, emphasized that education costs often prevent students from pursuing their studies.
These groups advocate for a more sustainable and structured funding approach to address these challenges.
The stakeholders are urging the consolidation of all government bursary programs to facilitate the implementation of free, quality, and compulsory education.
They argue that merging these initiatives would ensure a more efficient allocation of resources, benefiting the most vulnerable learners. According to these groups, the current fragmented framework disproportionately affects low-income families.
Margaret Nyang’o, the Controller of Budget, recently issued a directive barring counties from issuing bursaries to needy students, a move that the stakeholders support. They contend that such programs encroach upon the mandate of the national government and lack sufficient oversight.
Challenges with County-Level Bursaries
The existing county bursary system has been criticized for its inefficiencies. Stakeholders note that many students receive minimal allocations, often as low as KSh 3,000, which cover only a fraction of their educational needs.
Moreover, these funds are often perceived as a form of “pocket money” rather than a solution to educational challenges.
Stakeholders further argue that county bursary allocations are sometimes used by politicians to gain political mileage ahead of elections. They believe that these funds could be better utilized if administered in a constitutionally compliant and transparent manner.
The advocacy groups clarified that they are not opposed to supporting needy students. Instead, they call for a structured system that aligns with constitutional provisions and ensures equitable access to education.
A spokesperson stated that a centralized approach would eliminate duplications and enhance accountability in distributing resources to students.
Stakeholders’ Recommendations
The groups proposed the following measures:
| Recommendation | Objective |
|---|---|
| Consolidate all government bursary programs | Ensure equitable access to education |
| Strengthen national government oversight | Improve transparency and accountability |
| Increase funding for free, quality education | Reduce reliance on external financial assistance |
Margaret Nyang’o explained that aligning bursary programs with the national government’s mandate would promote efficiency and eliminate wasteful expenditures.
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Highlighted Statements
- A stakeholder remarked, “The current bursary framework is inadequate and leaves needy families struggling to cover educational costs.”
- Margaret Nyang’o noted, “Consolidating bursary programs under the national government will ensure resources reach those who need them most.”
By addressing these concerns, the Elimu Bora group and other stakeholders aim to enhance access to education and reduce disparities among learners in Kenya.
Elimu Bora Group Backs Ban on County Bursaries.
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