Nominated Senator Raphael Chimera has explained the way forward on county-managed bursaries after a High Court ruling that allowed county governments to continue administering bursary programmes.
In a statement on April 10, 2025, Chimera stated that the bursaries must never be used as a political tool to serve a purpose or support political ideals.
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He went on to assert his commitment to working with the Council of Governors and the County Assemblies Forum, to find a legal mechanism that will anchor bursaries in law.
“Through my legislative duty, and as a steadfast supporter of devolution, I will work with the Council of Governors and the County Assemblies Forum, to find a legal mechanism that will anchor bursaries in law,” read the statement.
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“I also know of a number of legislators who are willing to work with me on this.”
He emphasized that the county bursary schemes aid in supporting education for vulnerable students, enabling them to pursue their dreams despite financial challenges.
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Raphael Chimera Way Forward
In his statement, Chimera welcomed the ruling, stating that it is timely and “will go a long way in keeping children in school to study and pursue their dreams”.
Further, he clarified that arguments stating that bursaries beyond vocational institutions are a preserve of the national government through the various avenues available are not true.
“But even as we fight for this important issue, with the main aim of keeping our children in school, it must serve as a warning to those who have control over who should be given and who shouldn’t,” he added.
However, he stated that the bursaries given by the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) and governor-led bursary schemes have been key in supporting education, will not be sufficient in providing all the student’s needs.
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Chimera Take on Supporting School Children
Further, he expressed the need for a well-thought-out plan that assures all school-going children that they will remain in school.
“In fact, those administering the bursaries cannot reach all children in need and thus we must preserve the wins this far. I know of children in Kwale whom I personally support because the slots through the NGCDF and Governors’ kitties are already overwhelmed,” he stated.
He, however, expressed his concern that there is no guarantee of the next allocation for bursaries; despite having already been budgeted for.
Also Read: Governors and CS Mbadi Respond After Controller of Budget Banned County Bursaries
Court Ruling
The ruling court ruling solved the dispute over whether the national government or the county should oversee bursary programs.
However, Raphael Chimera insisted that county governments are expected to remain key players in administering these funds.
Governors argued that a change in administration of the bursaries will disrupt the education of students who rely on county bursaries to continue their studies.
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