Kwale Nominated Senator Raphael Chimaera has faulted Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o for allegedly frustrating county governments and paralysing the issuance of bursaries meant to support needy students.
Recently, the Controller of Budget (COB) allowed counties to continue disbursing some bursary funds after signing agreements with respective governors.
However, the COB has suspended bursary allocations for the 2026–2027 financial year pending further review of the disbursement framework, according to the Kwale government.
Chimera allegedly said that Nyakang’o is overstepping her mandate, saying her actions were unfairly hurting education efforts at the county level.
“One person cannot claim to be wiser than all 47 governors who are working tirelessly to ensure children remain in school. This matter must be addressed,” he said.
The senator argued that while the Controller of Budget insists that counties are not allowed to issue bursaries, each county has its own policies that guide how the funds are disbursed.
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He added that instead of halting bursary distribution, the Controller’s office should provide alternative solutions to ensure students continue with their education as proper procedures are being reviewed.
He further urged the government to allow counties to continue disbursing bursary funds under the existing legal framework as discussions on reforms continue.
However, Chimera welcomed the proposal to establish a centralized platform for bursary disbursement, saying it would promote fairness and accountability.
He noted that the current system is often influenced by politics, with students from opposition-aligned areas being sidelined.
According to the senator, a centralised collection and allocation process would ensure that genuinely needy students benefit regardless of their political background.
“To be sincere, not all deserving students benefit from the current system. Many have to struggle or fight for what rightfully belongs to them,” Chimera said.
Chimera said that it is a constitutional right for every student to access quality education regardless of their background.
He clarified that senators are not in conflict with governors over the issue of bursaries but are instead advocating for a more transparent and accountable system.
“Our goal is not to fight county governments but to strengthen a system that guarantees fairness and ensures every deserving learner gets support,” he said.
Mwajabe Omar
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