National Treasury Cabinet Secretary John Mbadi has urged dialogue following the Controller of Budget’s (CoB) directive barring county governments from administering bursaries. The directive, issued by CoB Margaret Nyakang’o on January 14, cited constitutional provisions that place the responsibility for post-primary education under the national government.
The order has sparked a backlash from governors, who argue that it is ill-timed and impractical. Many counties already have approved budgets for bursaries, and the sudden change threatens to disrupt educational support for learners from underprivileged families.
Mbadi emphasized the need to balance legal provisions with practical realities on the ground, highlighting that public participation had validated counties’ role in administering bursaries. “The law must be adhered to, but the reality is that poor families depend on these bursaries. Dialogue is essential to ensure learners are not left to suffer,” he said.
Nyakang’o’s directive pointed to the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution, which assigns universities, secondary schools, and other post-primary institutions to the national government. She stated that counties could only provide bursaries for these levels if the relevant functions are transferred in accordance with Article 187 of the Constitution.
However, governors have countered this stance, arguing that bursaries serve as vital social support mechanisms to mitigate poverty and enhance access to education. Nyeri Governor Mutahi Kahiga defended the counties’ role, stating, “Bursaries are not just financial allocations but essential tools to cushion the poor and address educational inequities.”
Kahiga noted that his county has established funds, including the Elimu Fund, to assist students at all levels of education. “Within the Elimu Fund, we support students in secondary schools, tertiary institutions, and universities because their families cannot afford fees. This is a necessity, not a choice,” he said.
Mbadi proposed that dialogue between the national and county governments could lead to a solution that respects constitutional provisions while addressing the needs of learners. He suggested exploring concurrence mechanisms to allow counties to continue their role in funding education where gaps exist.
The debate highlights the broader issue of education funding and the challenges facing families struggling to afford schooling costs. As the national and county governments seek common ground, the priority remains ensuring that no student is denied an education due to financial constraints.
