Lobby Group Wants Public Bursary Funds Consolidated
The government has been advised to consolidate public bursary funds and depoliticize education financing, as stated by members of Elimu Bora Working Group during their session in Nairobi on Tuesday.
They highlighted that the control of multiple bursary funds by politicians often leads to biased allocations, a concern echoed by Cornelius Oduor, a member of the lobby group. Oduor emphasized the challenges faced by parents in securing financial assistance for their children’s education.
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Addressing the issue, Oduor proposed the establishment of a National Education Fund by the Kenya Kwanza government. The purpose would be to ensure free and compulsory basic education for all students while also improving access to tertiary education.
He emphasized the importance of planning and implementing public education inclusively, considering various demographics such as vulnerable groups, children with disabilities, and those residing in urban slums or rural areas.
The group criticized the rushed implementation of the new higher education funding model, noting that it excludes many qualified and deserving students from accessing tertiary education.
Maxwel Magawi highlighted the discrepancy between the constitutional mandate for free basic education and the reality faced by over 130,000 students unable to access Form One due to financial constraints.
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Amidst these challenges, politicians have faced accusations of favoritism in distributing bursary funds, allegedly prioritizing their supporters over needy students.
Leaders from Meru County, led by North Imenti MP Rahim Dawood, recently urged the national government to streamline the issuance of bursaries to prevent duplication and fraudulent applications.
Dawood advocated for the consolidation of all bursaries under the Ministry of Education to ensure equitable distribution.
He emphasized the importance of centralizing data to prevent duplication and ensure fair allocation to deserving students, regardless of their background or political affiliation.
Echoing similar sentiments, the Kenya Union Of Post Primary Education (Kuppet) Secretary General, Akello Misori, called for an independent body to oversee the administration of bursaries. Misori stressed the importance of providing quality education to all learners, irrespective of political affiliations.
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Lobby Group Wants Public Bursary Funds Consolidated
