National Assembly speaker Moses Wetangula has initiated the process of consolidating all bursaries and scholarships from public funds by the Ministry of Education.
According to a letter shared on August 23, Wetangula highlighted drawbacks of current system, which he notes has led to duplicate awards due to an uncoordinated approach involving the Ministry of Education, the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF), and County governments.
The letter by National Assembly Clerk further indicates that Parliament has received a petition pushing for a legislative proposal aimed to improve efficiency in managing public funds under the Ministry of Education.
“We have received a Petition which notes that the current uncoordinated approach towards the issuance of bursaries and scholarships from public funds by the Ministry of Education, the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NGCDF), and County governments has, in some instances, led to a duplication of awards,” the statement read.
To address these concerns, Wetangula has assured that efforts are underway to resolve the issue. Specifically, he highlighted that legal action has been taken to seek a more coordinated approach of managing these awards.
“We further note that the High Court has been petitioned in Nakuru Constitutional Petition No. E012 of 2024 Laban Omusundi versus Office of the Controller of Budget & 5 Others for the consolidation of existing bursaries and scholarships for purposes of coordination,” he added.
Also Read: MP Formally Declines Salary Increase, Proposes Redirection to Bursary Program
Wetangula Issues Directive
In reference to Standing Order 208A of the National Assembly, Wetangula directed the Clerk of the National Assembly to formulate a legislative proposal that will provide a framework for the administration of public bursaries and scholarships.
In turn, the Clerk, Samuel Njoroge, has asked the Ministry of Education to provide relevant information that will aid in the drafting of the legislative proposal.
“Arising from the foregoing, the Speaker of the National Assembly has instructed the office of the Clerk of the National Assembly to formulate a legislative proposal establishing a defined structure for the administration of public bursaries and scholarships,” reads the letter addressed to Education PS Dr Belio Kipsang.
“This is, therefore, to request that you furnish us with any relevant information in the possession of the Ministry that may assist in the drafting of the legislative proposal, including any existing policy document or Draft Bill.”
CJ Koome on Bursaries
Addressing the current stalemate in the education sector regarding higher education funding, Chief Justice (CJ) Martha Koome called for changes to the new university education funding model, terming it discriminatory.
Koome warned that if the current model is implemented as it is, there will be a serious inequality gap in the universities and therefore called for a review of the whole structure.
Further, she suggested that all bursaries be collapsed into one to make education free for all.
Likewise, she stated that the future of thousands of students preparing to enter universities for higher education is uncertain, with ongoing confusion surrounding the new university funding model.
“That a child who has qualified to go to the university can be there crying, saying I have been put in Band 5 when I ought to be in Band 1 and therefore, I cannot afford to go to the university,” Koome said.
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