Former Attorney General Justin Muturi has called for reforms in the distribution of education bursaries, condemning the practice of requiring parents and learners to sing before politicians to secure financial assistance.
Muturi said the practice undermines the dignity of families struggling to pay school fees and exposes children to unnecessary embarrassment when they should be concentrating on their studies.
In a video shared on his X account on Saturday, the Democratic Party leader questioned why parents and their children should be subjected to such experiences to access financial support intended to help them remain in school.
He argued that education should be provided as a right guaranteed by law, rather than treated as a privilege dependent on a learner's ability to please elected leaders.
Muturi said the practice creates an unfair situation in which children from financially disadvantaged households are made to publicly demonstrate their struggles while their peers continue with their lessons.
He maintained that parents facing economic hardship should not be forced to participate in political activities or endure humiliation to obtain assistance for their children's education.
Former AG cites constitutional right to education
The former National Assembly Speaker cited Article 53 of the Constitution, which guarantees every child the right to free and compulsory basic education, saying the government has a responsibility to ensure learners can access education without unnecessary barriers.
He also referred to the Basic Education Act, 2013, as he challenged the government to take greater responsibility for fulfilling its obligations in the education sector.
Muturi said his political camp would pursue a system that ensures children receive an education without their parents having to plead with politicians for financial assistance.
“We will make education free!” he declared in his post, reiterating his position that access to schooling should not depend on political patronage.
Renewed debate over constituency bursaries
His remarks revive the debate over the role of constituency bursaries in financing learners from needy households and whether the existing distribution mechanisms adequately protect beneficiaries from political influence.
In January this year, Muturi called for the abolition of the bursary system, arguing that public education support should not be presented as a personal favour from politicians.
The debate comes amid continued calls for transparent and accountable management of
Muturi's position is that financial assistance should reach eligible learners through a dignified and transparent process, without requiring families to make public displays of their economic difficulties.
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