Senate Committee on Public Investments and Special Funds chair Vihiga Senator Godfrey Osotsi has urged the Senate to consider abolishing the distribution of bursaries by county governments.
The bursaries, which are financial aids provided to students, are currently distributed by the county governments. However, due to several counties’ mismanagement of the funds, Senator Osotsi is proposing a change in this system.
During a Senate retreat in Naivasha, the senator revealed that several counties have been misusing the funds. For instance, in County A, funds meant for bursaries were reportedly used to purchase luxury vehicles for county officials, while in County B, there were allegations of bursary funds being siphoned into personal bank accounts.
“Bursary funds are not looking good at all; it is another conduit of corruption. In most cases, there is no documentation submitted by those counties,” said Osotsi.
READ ALSO: How schools assist students who look low and slow
Osotsi further argued that the misappropriation of funds under the guise of bursary distribution was not only a financial issue but also had a direct impact on other crucial devolved functions, such as Early Childhood Development and Education (ECDE), which were suffering.
“The Senate should consider abolishing bursary funds. Currently, other devolved functions such as ECDE are suffering, yet money is being embezzled,” he added.
Homa Bay Senator Moses Kajwang’, who chairs the Senate Committee on Public Accounts, emphasized the urgent need for a robust framework to prevent funds from being allocated to counties that have failed to demonstrate financial accountability.
The senator criticized the Office of the Director of Public Prosecutions (DPP) for allegedly frustrating efforts to prosecute corrupt individuals.
To strengthen oversight, Kajwang’ proposed either expanding the size of Senate oversight committees or creating additional committees to handle the overwhelming number of reports submitted to the House.
By Obegi Malack
You can also follow our social media pages on Twitter: Education News KE and Facebook: Education News Newspaper for timely updates.
>>> Click here to stay up-to-date with trending regional stories
>>> Click here to read more informed opinions on the country’s education landscape
