Nandi County residents have called for the consolidation of education bursaries into a single national funding framework, urging Parliament to prioritize equitable access to education through coordinated financial support systems. The push comes as stakeholders argue that the current fragmented approach—where bursaries and scholarships are managed by multiple institutions and levels of government—creates inefficiencies, duplication, and unequal opportunities for learners.
Residents emphasized that the proposed Basic Education Amendment Bill and University and Tertiary Education Bill should explicitly integrate existing schemes, including the Presidential Bursary, National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF) bursaries, county government programs, and scholarships from public and private institutions. Teacher John Ngesa, a vocal advocate, stated that a unified system would simplify access to financial assistance and enable the government to better allocate resources for vulnerable students.
Education Advocate Mercy Jeruto endorsed the proposal, highlighting that a centralized funding mechanism would allow early identification of needy learners and ensure consistent support throughout their education. She stressed the need for clear eligibility criteria, transparent disbursement processes, and robust monitoring to prevent gaps in assistance. Jeruto noted that families often face logistical burdens, navigating multiple offices to secure aid, which disproportionately affects low-income households.
Youth Leader Joseph Rono called for the unified system to prioritize children from poor and vulnerable households, orphans, learners with disabilities, and those from disadvantaged communities. He urged bursaries and scholarships to cover tuition, learning materials, accommodation, and meals, emphasizing that education should remain accessible without increasing financial strain through loan schemes. Rono warned that reliance on loans could exacerbate debt for economically disadvantaged students.
Woman Leader Lydia Chepkemei argued that the legislation must recognize education as a continuous process, ensuring financial support spans from basic to tertiary levels. She advocated for clear guidelines on the roles of national and county governments, educational institutions, and other stakeholders. Chepkemei also highlighted the potential to leverage existing infrastructure, such as NG-CDF and county government systems, to enhance efficiency.
Community Elder Paul Sang shared concerns that many families withdraw children from school due to financial barriers. He stated that a unified bursary system would instill confidence in parents, ensuring their children can progress through education without poverty-related disruptions. Sang’s remarks underscored the human impact of the current system’s shortcomings.
Stakeholders also called for accountability mechanisms, including regular audits, public reporting of beneficiaries, and procedures to address fraud or duplication. Chepkemei emphasized collaboration between the Ministry of Education, county governments, schools, and institutions to implement the framework. She clarified that consolidation would not eliminate existing programs but integrate them into a cohesive national strategy.
The coalition urged Parliament to consider their input during debates on the two bills, stressing that the ultimate goal is to create an education financing system that guarantees access for all, regardless of economic status. They argued that a unified approach would reduce administrative burdens, improve resource allocation, and ensure no learner is left behind due to financial constraints.
Nandi residents’ advocacy reflects broader calls for systemic reforms to address inequities in Kenya’s education sector. Their proposals aim to transform fragmented aid into a streamlined, transparent mechanism that prioritizes equity, efficiency, and long-term educational outcomes for marginalized communities.