Exclude Ph.D. and Masters students From Bursaries, MPs Told
The recommendation from a panel of education experts suggests a redirection of the National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) towards the construction of basic education infrastructure and local development initiatives rather than providing bursaries for postgraduate studies at both local and foreign universities.
Expressing their discontent, the experts find it disheartening to witness Ph.D. and Masters students displaying checks from the NG-CDF at universities and colleges, emphasizing the immorality and unfairness of Master’s degree candidates receiving CDF funding.
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Maliba Arnold Nyajayi, the Strategic Communication adviser in the office of UDA Secretary General, conveyed this sentiment, highlighting the need for increased allocation of funds to the primary and secondary education sector.
Nyajayi further emphasized that while CDF has succeeded in funding infrastructure in schools, the current structure might not sufficiently assist all needy students, with flat rates ranging from Sh500 to Sh5,000 per student.
The experts also acknowledge the importance of the NG-CDF to numerous students facing economic challenges due to factors such as global climate change, the devaluation of the Kenyan shilling, and increasing poverty.
Despite these challenges, Members of Parliament (MPs) claim a delay of over seven months in the disbursement of CDF funds from the Treasury.
Dr. Vincent Gaitho, the Secretary-General of Kenya’s National Association of Private Universities, and chairman of the university council at Mount Kenya University (MKU), urges MPs to invest CDF in specific local development projects tailored to each constituency’s unique needs.
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Dr. Gaitho proposed introducing a bill in Parliament to transform bursary funds into revolving funds, promoting sustainability as beneficiaries are expected to repay the funds.
He stresses the importance of focusing on projects that generate income for constituents, citing examples such as addressing agricultural waste and creating solutions for seasonal surpluses.
Acknowledging that education receives a significant portion of the national budget, the experts note that a substantial amount goes to salaries and recurrent expenditures.
Philip Pande, a Youth Inclusion adviser, suggests a shift towards prioritizing Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) over traditional university education. The African Development Bank’s support for TVET aligns with this recommendation to ensure broader access to technical training.
The experts also highlight a concerning gap between local universities and employment opportunities, resulting in a brain drain abroad. Dr. Gaitho attributes this to a shrinking Kenyan economy and advocates for increased collaboration between universities and industries to bridge the skills gap.
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He urges the encouragement of students opting for TVET institutions and emphasizes the need to align education with industry demands for enhanced employment prospects.
Exclude Ph.D. and Masters students From Bursaries, MPs Told
