MPs Probe Controversial Transfer of Sh3bn School Feeding Funds
Members of Parliament (MPs) have taken steps to address a conflict between two state agencies over the administration of a Sh3 billion school feeding programme.
This initiative, aimed at reducing school dropouts in Arid and Semi-Arid areas, has been controversially shifted from the Ministry of Education to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
Originally, the project was under the management of the National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya.
The school feeding programme targets specific poverty-stricken counties, including learners in informal settlements, by providing meals to encourage retention and curb school dropouts. Currently, the intervention operates in 26 marginalized counties.
Budgetary Changes and Concerns
The reallocation of the programme is outlined in the Supplementary Budget I, which is currently being reviewed by Parliament. The programme had an allocation of Sh3 billion for the current financial year.
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Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang informed MPs that the transfer was irregular and advocated for maintaining the existing arrangement.
During his appearance before the National Education Committee to defend the ministry’s budget, Kipsang emphasized the need to keep the programme within the state department to ensure proper alignment with other educational initiatives.
He requested the reinstatement of the programme to effectively support the targeted schoolchildren within the academic calendar.
Parliamentary Inquiry
The National Education Committee, chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, raised questions about why the programme’s transfer was included in the supplementary budget without prior notice.
MPs expressed concerns about the NDMA’s capability to manage the programme compared to the Ministry of Education, which has well-established structures for such initiatives.
Melly inquired whether the Ministry of Education had been consulted before the policy shift to transfer the school feeding programme to the NDMA.
Key Concerns Raised by MPs
- Consultation Process: Melly questioned whether the Ministry of Education was consulted before the policy shift.
- NDMA’s Capability: MPs demanded answers about the NDMA’s ability to manage the programme compared to the Ministry of Education.
- Rationale for Transfer: MPs sought clarification on the reasons behind moving the programme from the education docket.
Specific MP Concerns
- Narok MP Rebecca Tonkei: Called for the committee to summon the National Treasury to explain the reallocation of funds, expressing concerns that the transfer might lead to increased school dropouts in marginalized areas.
- Mandera North MP Haro Ebrahim: Questioned the appropriateness of making such a significant policy change through a supplementary budget.
- Nyamira Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi: Criticized the transfer, stating that only the Education Ministry has the necessary structures to address deserving cases effectively.
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Financial Implications
Belio Kipsang informed the committee, led by Melly, that the programme has a pending bill of Sh2.4 billion from the last financial year due to exchequer issues.
He emphasized that this pending bill will be prioritized in the FY 2024/25 budgetary allocation in accordance with the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) of 2012.
MPs Probe Controversial Transfer of Sh3bn School Feeding Funds
