Keypoints
- The motion aims to consolidate and audit bursary funds.
- The goal is to ensure effective use of funds to support financially disadvantaged students.
- The senator highlights inefficiencies and lack of transparency in the current system.
- He proposes an audit of bursary funds and their consolidation into supplementary capitation.
- It aims to address financial barriers that exclude many students from accessing quality education.
- If passed, this could mark a significant reform in Kenya’s education system.
In a significant move towards achieving free secondary education in Kenya, Senator Karungo wa Thangwa of Kiambu County has introduced a motion in the Senate calling for the consolidation of all bursary funds allocated by various government entities. The motion, which was officially presented on the Senate floor earlier today, seeks to streamline the distribution of bursaries and ensure that financially disadvantaged students can access quality education without facing the burden of high school fees.
The Problem: Inefficiencies and Lack of Transparency
Senator Thangwa highlighted the current challenges within the education system, noting that despite multiple bursary schemes from the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NGCDF), the National Government Affirmative Action Fund (NGAAF), county governments, and the Ministry of Education, many students still struggle to pay school fees. “These bursaries have been plagued by nepotism, favoritism, and a lack of transparency,” the senator explained, stressing that the disbursement of funds is often marred by political manipulation.
He pointed out that while billions of shillings are allocated to the education sector each year, it remains difficult to trace how much of these funds reach individual students. For the financial year 2024/25, approximately Kshs. 656 billion was allocated to the education sector. However, with the lack of a clear and transparent process for distributing these funds, many deserving students continue to miss out on the assistance they need.
The Motion: Auditing and Consolidating Bursary Funds
The key proposal in Senator Thangwa’s motion is an audit of all bursary funds allocated by both national and county governments. This audit would assess how funds are being distributed and ensure that they are being used effectively to reach those who need them most. The motion further proposes that all these funds be consolidated and directed to schools as supplementary capitation, a move that would directly support the achievement of free secondary education.
“By consolidating these funds and sending them straight to schools, we can make a real difference in the lives of countless students who are currently unable to afford school fees,” said the senator. He also called for transparency in the cost of education, urging the Ministry of Education to calculate and publicly share the cost per learner for primary, secondary, and tertiary education. This, he argued, would give parents, educators, and policymakers a clearer understanding of what is required to provide quality education for every student.
The Goal: Free Secondary Education for All
Senator Thangwa’s motion is a bold step towards realizing the goal of free secondary education for all Kenyan children. Article 53 of the Constitution guarantees every child the right to free and compulsory basic education, but the reality on the ground is that many students remain excluded due to financial barriers.
This motion is particularly significant for students from disadvantaged backgrounds, who are often the most affected by the high cost of education. By eliminating inefficiencies and ensuring that bursary funds are used to their full potential, the senator believes that Kenya can achieve equitable access to education, where no student is left behind due to their family’s financial situation.
What’s Next?
The motion is now set to be debated in the Senate, where it is expected to receive widespread support from legislators across the political divide. Education is a top priority for many Kenyans, and the need for reform in the bursary system has been long overdue.
If passed, this motion could mark the beginning of a new chapter in Kenya’s education system—one where every child, regardless of background, has an equal opportunity to succeed.
As Senator Thangwa noted, “We must take concrete steps to ensure that education is not just a privilege for the few, but a right for every Kenyan child. This motion is our first step on that journey.”
