Clash looms as Senators call for abolition of county bursary funds
By Maureen Kinyanjui |
The senators argued that counties are diverting resources from their constitutionally mandated functions to support bursaries for primary to university education levels.
A showdown is brewing between senators, governors, and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) after the Senate County Public Investments and Special Funds Committee recommended abolishing county bursary funds.
In a report presented to the Senate, the committee, chaired by Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi, stated that funding for primary, secondary, tertiary, and university education falls under the purview of the national government, not county governments.
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"Governors should ensure that all county-established bursary funds are abolished," the committee declared, adding that the funds are being operated illegally.
The Fourth Schedule of the Constitution assigns counties responsibility for pre-primary education, polytechnics, home craft centres, and childcare facilities, while the national government oversees education in universities, tertiary institutions, primary and secondary schools, special education, and research institutions.
The senators argued that counties are diverting resources from their constitutionally mandated functions to support bursaries for primary to university education levels.
"Resources currently allocated to bursaries should be redirected towards essential county responsibilities as outlined in the Constitution," the report stated.
The recommendation is expected to trigger resistance from governors and MCAs who have defended the funds as vital for supporting poor students excluded from national bursaries.
Critics, however, contend that these funds are often used as political tools by county leaders.
The report highlights operational inefficiencies, including multiple overlapping bursary programs managed by governors and MCAs in some counties.
This duplication has resulted in some students receiving funds from multiple sources, while others are left out entirely.
"There were multiple cases across various counties where students received bursaries from multiple wards within the same county, leading to inequitable distribution," the committee observed.
Additionally, some counties have implemented bursary funds without proper regulations, with several relying on the National Public Finance Management (PFM) Act.
The senators noted that only the Cabinet Secretary for Finance has the authority to make such regulations, making the current frameworks legally questionable.
The committee recommended that counties develop specific legislation to govern bursary funds and centralize their management to ensure equitable allocation.
"The governors should ensure the development and enactment of a county-specific act to guide the establishment and management of bursary fund regulations, ensuring alignment with devolved governance structures," the report stated.
The senators noted the need for counties to focus on their devolved functions and avoid duplicating responsibilities handled by the national government.
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