- The Meru County Assembly approved a motion enabling the Controller of Budget to authorise bursary disbursement, ending a nationwide suspension.
- Education Committee Chair Nkunja Maore explained the suspension was a directive from the Controller of Budget, not Governor Isaac Mutuma’s decision.
- MCAs expressed optimism that needy students sent home for lack of fees will soon access financial support once approval is granted.
The County Assembly of Meru has approved a motion that paves the way for the release of bursary funds to needy learners, ending months of uncertainty following a nationwide suspension of allocations.
The motion, tabled by the Education Committee, seeks to enable the Controller of Budget to authorise disbursement of the funds. The suspension had been triggered by concerns over the legal framework governing county bursaries, with counties directed to streamline their policies before any release.
Committee Chairman Nkunja Maore told the Assembly that Meru had complied with the requirements set by the Controller of Budget. “The counties will now have to toe the line as per the policies set to streamline the issuance of funds. The motion seeks approval by the Controller of Budget to release education bursary funds to the counties. All is ready now,” he said.
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Maore dismissed claims that Governor Isaac Mutuma had deliberately withheld bursaries, clarifying that the suspension was a directive from the Controller of Budget and not a unilateral county decision. He also cautioned former governor Kawira Mwangaza against blaming other leaders for her political tribulations.
Igoji West MCA Mutembei Mbiuki welcomed the move, expressing optimism that many learners who had been sent home due to lack of fees would soon benefit once the Controller of Budget gives final approval. “This is a relief to parents and students who have been waiting for support. We hope the funds will be released quickly to ease the burden on families,” he said.
The move is expected to unlock bursary allocations across Meru, providing critical financial support to thousands of learners and reaffirming the county’s commitment to equitable access to education.
By John Majau
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