Mombasa MCAs express discontent over students missing bursaries

Mombasa County Assembly’s Committee on Education has expressed dissatisfaction with the implementation of the ‘No Child Left Behind’ Programme, a bursary initiative aimed at supporting all students in need.

The committee raised concerns over the alleged mismanagement of funds and gaps in the distribution process, which have left some students without the promised financial aid.

Dr. Mbwarali Kame, the County Executive Committee Member (CECM) for Education, appeared before the committee to address these concerns.

However, his request for additional time to investigate the issues further did not satisfy the members of the committee, which expressed frustration over the lack of clear answers and the continued absence of detailed financial reports from the Elimu Scheme Board, which is responsible for overseeing the disbursement of bursaries.

Committee Chairperson Ibrahim Oyugi noted, "We are not convinced by the explanations provided. There are still significant gaps in the disbursement process that need to be addressed. The programme’s name suggests that no child should be left behind, yet we are seeing cases where deserving students have not received the bursaries they applied for."

MCA Allen Katana, a committee member, presented testimonies from students who had completed and submitted bursary forms but had not received any financial support.

"These students come from needy backgrounds and depend on this programme to continue their education. The fact that they have been overlooked raises serious questions about the effectiveness and fairness of the distribution process," Katana said.

Mombasa CECM for Education Dr Mbwarali Kame, appears before the Mombasa County Assembly’s Committee on Education to answer questions on the No Child Left Behind Programme on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. (Photo: Farhiya Hussein)

Kadzandani MCA Fatuma Kushe shared specific instances from her ward where students had been left without bursaries despite having followed the application process.

"In my ward, the distribution has been deeply flawed. We've seen cheques bounce, leaving students stranded. It is unacceptable that children are still out of school due to these failures," Fatuma lamented.

She further expressed her frustration, hinting at the potential consequences if the situation is not rectified. "If there are officials who are failing in their duties, then this Assembly should consider taking appropriate action. The taxpayers' money should be used responsibly, and those in charge must be held accountable."

Fatuma added that she had observed how effectively their colleagues managed to send the Governor of Meru, Kawira Mwangaza, home. With the same sense of resolve, she asserted that if there are any ministers or others receiving taxpayer money who fail to be accountable in their duties, she respectfully requests that the house hold them accountable.

In response, Dr Kame urged the committee to grant him more time to prepare a comprehensive report. He assured the members that the issues raised would be thoroughly investigated and a detailed explanation would be provided in due course.

Despite these assurances, the committee resolved that the CECM and the Elimu Scheme Board would be summoned again at a later date to provide a more satisfactory account of the bursary disbursement process.

Kadzandani MCA Fatuma Kushe poses a question to Mombasa Education CECM Dr Mbwarali Kame who appearwed before the County Assembly’s Committee on Education on Wednesday, August 21, 2024. (Photo Farhiya Hussein)