All Education Funds and Bursaries to Be Merged for Mandatory Free Basic Education
In a groundbreaking move, Parliament has embarked on a transformative journey to unify all current education bursaries and funding sources, aiming to establish free and compulsory basic education across Kenya.
This initiative follows the introduction of a motion to form a special committee dedicated to crafting a thorough legal and institutional framework that will facilitate the streamlined distribution of educational funds.
The motion, brought forth by Minority Leader Junet Mohamed from Suna East, highlighted the inefficiencies and disarray that currently plague the education funding system.
“Our children are suffering due to the overlap and fragmentation of bursary and scholarship programs scattered across constituencies, counties, and national bodies. This initiative seeks to ensure that educational financing is clear, efficient, and reaches the intended recipients without political or bureaucratic hindrances,” Mohamed emphasized.
The proposed committee will undertake a comprehensive analysis of existing education funds at both national and county levels, pinpointing redundancies, inefficiencies, and gaps in the funding process.
Additionally, it will recommend a governance and operational model for a consolidated National Education Fund and draft legislation to formalize this new framework.
“We must establish a legal and institutional structure that guarantees every Kenyan child access to quality education, irrespective of their economic status. Free and compulsory education should not merely be a constitutional promise; it must be a tangible reality,” Mohamed asserted.
Once approved by the house, the ad-hoc committee will have a broad mandate, including engaging key stakeholders, developing eligibility and distribution criteria, and suggesting accountability measures to ensure the responsible use of funds.
“We are not merely forming another committee; we are laying the groundwork for a more equitable and accountable education financing system that aligns with Vision 2030 and our constitutional duties,” the Suna East representative stated.
Lawmakers have advocated for the merging of all funds and bursaries aimed at supporting underprivileged students to address the evident funding crisis in educational institutions.
The proposed reforms aim to consolidate the Higher Education and Loans Board (HELB) along with all funds, including scholarships and bursaries provided by Governors and legislators at both national and local levels.
The ad-hoc committee is expected to deliver its findings to Parliament within 90 days.
Among the MPs nominated to serve on the committee are Samburu West MP Naisula Lesuuda, Omboko Milemba (Emuhaya), Mary Emaase (Teso South), Stephen Mule (Matungulu), Elijah Njoroge (Gatundu North), Udgoon Siyyad (Wajir), Obara Eve (Kabondo Kasipul), and Titus Khamala (Lurambi).
Others include Charles Onchoke (Bonchari), Clive Gisairo (Kisii), Daniel Kiili (Matuga), Caroline Ngelechei (Elgeyo Marakwet), Reuben Kiborek (Mogotio), Jane Kagiri (Laikipia), Adan Keynan (Eldas), and Amina Mnyazi (Malindi).