The push for free education in Kenya is gaining momentum, with National Assembly Speaker Moses Wetangula directing the formulation of laws to consolidate all bursaries and public scholarships into a single, unified fund. This initiative seeks to address the inefficiencies and inconsistencies arising from the current fragmented system.
A Move to Eliminate Duplication
Wetangula's directive follows concerns raised by Chief Justice Martha Koome and acknowledges the multiple layers of bursary and scholarship allocations through the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), county governments, and the Ministry of Education. These overlapping systems have led to significant duplication and mismanagement, with some students receiving multiple awards while others miss out entirely.
In a candid meeting with Members of Parliament on Tuesday, Wetangula emphasized the need for a streamlined approach to the administration of these funds. He has instructed the Clerk of the National Assembly to expedite the drafting of a legislative framework that will create a unified structure for the distribution of bursaries and scholarships.
Legislative Action and Ministry Involvement
The Clerk of the National Assembly has already written to the Ministry of Education, requesting any existing policies that could assist in the drafting of the proposed legislation. The letter, titled "Consolidation of Public Bursaries and Scholarship Programmes," highlights the current lack of coordination in the award process and cites a High Court ruling in Nakuru that called for the consolidation of these funds for better management.
The Ministry of Education, led by Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang, has been tasked with providing input to ensure that the legislative proposal aligns with existing education policies and addresses the challenges identified.
Political Implications and Resistance
Wetangula’s push for a unified fund could face resistance from the political class, who have traditionally used bursary allocations as a means of garnering political support. Currently, MPs, MCAs, governors, and even women representatives have their own bursary kitties, leading to a fragmented system that often benefits some students disproportionately while leaving others without support.
For example, Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has allocated Ksh.857 million across the city's 17 constituencies, while MPs like Embakasi East’s Babu Owino and Lang’ata’s Felix Odhiambo have separately allocated millions through NG-CDF. Similar situations exist in counties like Narok, where Governor Patrick Ole Ntutu has set aside Ksh.400 million for 47,000 learners, and Kiambu, where Governor Kimani Wamatangi allocated Ksh.50 million.
The Road Ahead: Will MPs Relinquish NG-CDF?
The consolidation of these funds into a single, centrally managed bursary and scholarship program could improve transparency and ensure that more students receive the support they need. However, it also poses a significant challenge to MPs, who may be reluctant to let go of NG-CDF funds that have traditionally allowed them to directly influence their constituents.
As the legislative process unfolds, the focus will be on whether Parliament can reach a consensus on the proposed changes and whether the new system can be implemented in a way that truly benefits all Kenyan students.
With education being a critical issue in Kenya’s development agenda, the outcome of this legislative effort could set a new precedent for how public resources are allocated to support the country’s future leaders.
