The campaign to streamline bursary allocations and establish a unified national education fund has received a significant boost, with county governors throwing their weight behind the proposal. This move aims to eliminate duplication, promote accountability, and ensure all children access free and quality education.
Speaking before the Senate Education Committee, Narok Governor Patrick Ntutu expressed strong support for the initiative. “It is a good idea. I don’t mind losing Sh600 million, provided all my children go to school,” he stated, signaling readiness to relinquish county-level control over bursary disbursement for the greater good.
Governor Ntutu emphasized that most of his fellow county bosses are not opposed to consolidating bursaries into one central kitty so long as the funds are directed towards achieving universal free education for Kenyan students.
The growing consensus comes amid legal and administrative developments. A recent court order and a circular from Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o have declared the issuance of bursaries by counties as unconstitutional, stating that education bursaries are not a devolved function. The Senate has echoed this stance, directing counties to halt all bursary allocations.
Currently, bursaries are issued by various entities including county governments, Members of Parliament, the Ministry of Education, and even the Office of the President. This fragmented approach has led to inefficiencies, with some students reportedly receiving multiple bursaries while others are left out.
To address these disparities, Kiambu Senator Karungo Thang’wa has introduced a motion in the Senate to consolidate all bursary funds under a single, transparent national framework. “In the 2024-25 financial year, about Sh656 billion was allocated to the education sector. However, it is difficult to ascertain the specific funds granted to each student,” he noted.
If adopted, the consolidation plan would mark a turning point in Kenya’s pursuit of equitable education financing, ensuring that every needy child benefits from public support without redundancy or corruption. The debate continues, but the unified support from governors is a major step forward in the push for a streamlined, effective bursary system.
