School Heads Demand Immediate Bursary Disbursement or Threaten to Send Students Home in Mandera

School heads in Mandera County have issued an ultimatum to the county government, threatening to send students with fee arrears home if funds from the Elimu Kwa Wote bursary programme are not released by Monday. The local chapter of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA) expressed frustration over delayed disbursements, which have hampered the smooth running of schools in the region.

Speaking at a press conference in Mandera town, KESSHA county treasurer Mahat Ibrahim emphasized that schools cannot continue to operate without the necessary funds. “Before we have any further engagement with the county of Mandera, they should first release the second and third term fees,” Ibrahim stated. He also called for transparency, insisting that every disbursement must be accompanied by a list of beneficiaries and the amount allocated to each learner.

The bursary programme was launched in January 2023 by Governor Mohamed Aden Khalif, shortly after he assumed office. The initiative was introduced in response to the economic hardships caused by prolonged drought, which devastated the livestock-dependent livelihoods of over 90% of Mandera residents. Recognizing the financial burden on families, the governor pledged that the county government would cover 60% of school fees for students from Mandera.

The programme initially ran smoothly for a year, but school heads are now voicing concerns over delays and partial fulfillment of the promised funds. The Neboi Secondary School principal, speaking on behalf of all school heads in the county, highlighted the operational challenges faced by schools due to the delayed disbursements.

“Schools are struggling to meet their operational costs without the necessary fees,” Ibrahim said. He also accused the county government of spreading misconceptions about the programme, which has led to strained relations between school administrators, parents, and students.

The school heads have refused to engage further with Governor Khalif or his administration until their demands are met. Among their demands, they are calling for a legally binding agreement between the county’s Education department and KESSHA to ensure timely and full release of the bursary funds. The heads also warned politicians against politicizing the bursary programme, stressing that their priority is the education of students.

Ibrahim further challenged the county to either fund 100% of the fees or clarify to parents that they will need to cover the remaining 40%. “We are sending a warning shot to politicians that they should desist from politicizing the secondary education programme forthwith,” he added.

Governor Khalif, who has been a vocal proponent of the Elimu Kwa Wote bursary, defended the programme in a recent interview, praising its impact despite some challenges. “Of course there are challenges here and there, especially when you are starting something new, but by and large, we are doing well,” the governor remarked. He acknowledged the need for continuous improvement but underscored the importance of operating within the legal framework.

As tensions rise, the governor has invited the school heads to a meeting scheduled for Saturday. However, Ibrahim noted that the heads have unanimously agreed to attend only if their demands are met. The outcome of this standoff could significantly impact the education of many students in Mandera, as the school heads remain firm on their position to send students home if the bursary funds are not promptly disbursed.

The situation underscores the broader challenges of funding education in regions affected by economic hardship and environmental crises. It also highlights the importance of accountability and timely action from local governments in fulfilling their commitments to educational programmes. As the deadline looms, all eyes are on the Mandera county government to resolve the impasse and ensure that students can continue their education uninterrupted.