All Education Funds and Bursaries to Be Unified for Free Compulsory Basic Education
Parliament has embarked on a significant initiative to merge all current education bursaries and funding sources in order to facilitate free and compulsory basic education in Kenya.
This development follows the introduction of a motion to create an ad-hoc select committee responsible for establishing a comprehensive legal and institutional framework to support the coordinated distribution of education funds.
The motion was presented in the National Assembly by Minority Leader Junet Mohamed (Suna East), who highlighted the inefficiencies and fragmentation affecting the current education funding system.
“Our children are suffering due to the overlap and disorganization of bursary and scholarship programs across constituencies, counties, and national institutions. This initiative aims to ensure that education financing is transparent, efficient, and reaches the intended beneficiaries without political or bureaucratic interference,” Mohamed stated.
The proposed select committee will conduct a thorough analysis of existing education funds at both national and county levels, identifying overlaps, inefficiencies, and gaps in the distribution process.
Additionally, it will recommend a governance and operational model for a unified National Education Fund and propose legislation to formalize the new framework.
“We must establish a legal and institutional structure that ensures every Kenyan child has access to quality education, regardless of their economic background. Free and compulsory education should not just be a constitutional promise, but a reality,” Mohamed emphasized.
Once approved by the house, the ad-hoc committee will have a broad mandate, including engaging key stakeholders, developing eligibility and disbursement criteria, and recommending accountability measures to ensure the proper use of funds.
“We are not merely forming another committee; we are laying the groundwork for a fairer, more accountable education financing system that aligns with Vision 2030 and our constitutional responsibilities,” the Suna East lawmaker remarked.
Lawmakers have advocated for the merging and consolidation of all funds and bursaries aimed at supporting underprivileged students to address the evident funding crisis in educational institutions.
The proposed reforms aim to integrate the Higher Education and Loans Board (HELB) 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 submit its report to Parliament within 90 days.
MPs appointed to the committee include 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).