By Wasike Elvis
In a passionate appeal, Moses Kebenei, the MCA for Simat/Kapseret, has called on the government to urgently reconsider its stance on the suspension of county bursary funds. Kebenei's plea comes after the Controller of Budget (CoB), Margaret Nyakang'o, halted the approval of bursary funds, citing the need for new legislation that would allow county governments to issue such funds.
The Controller of Budget’s directive has caused widespread concern across the country, particularly in Uasin Gishu County, where thousands of students rely on these bursaries for their education. According to Kebenei, his ward alone has provided bursaries to over 2,000 students, all of whom are now in a state of uncertainty as they face the start of a new school year with no fees to pay.
“The bursary program has been in place since 2013, when devolution began. For over a decade, both the county and national governments have worked together to fund education for vulnerable students. However, this year, after vetting and approval, the Controller of Budget has stopped the release of these crucial funds,” said Kebenei. “It is the students and parents who are suffering now, with no financial support to pay for school fees, and schools are refusing to admit students without fees.”
The MCA further expressed his disappointment that the Controller of Budget has not allowed for a gradual transition while new legislation is being developed. He emphasized that the immediate suspension of bursary funds will lead to a significant number of students dropping out of school, thereby jeopardizing their future prospects.
In his statement, Kebenei called on President William Ruto, who hails from the neighboring Turbo Sub-county, to intervene. "President Ruto, as someone who understands the struggles of the hustler, we urge you to protect the bursary funds. We are counting on you, as someone who has risen from humble beginnings, to ensure that no child is left behind due to a lack of financial resources," Kebenei said.
The MCA’s concerns are echoed in communities like Huruma Ward, where education is often seen as the only way to escape the cycle of poverty. The Controller of Budget’s recent directive, which requires counties to enter into intergovernmental agreements to withdraw funds for functions related to the national government, threatens to severely limit the ability of counties to provide bursary assistance.
Kebenei’s call for intervention also gained support from other leaders in the region. "Education is the great equalizer, and without it, many of these students will be left behind, unable to break free from the constraints of poverty,” said Wanjohi, another MCA who has also appealed to the authorities for a solution that would allow the bursary program to continue.
Kebenei concluded his statement by urging the government to sit down with the relevant stakeholders, including the Deputy President, the Council of Governors, and members of the National Assembly, to find a way forward that ensures the continued funding of bursaries for deserving students.
“We are not asking for the removal of the program but rather for its continuation and even expansion. The future of our children depends on it,” he said.
As the debate continues, the future of the bursary program remains uncertain, with thousands of students across the country anxiously waiting for a resolution. The MCA hopes that the government will take swift action to ensure that no student is left behind due to financial constraints.
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