Students Urge Government to Retain Bursary Funds Amid Policy Shift
The bursary program has played a critical role in ensuring students from low-income backgrounds can pursue education without financial hindrances.
A growing number of students, alongside Huruma Ward MCA Kimani Wanjohi, have voiced strong opposition to a government directive that could eliminate bursary funds distributed by county governments.
A growing number of students, alongside Huruma Ward MCA Kimani Wanjohi, have voiced strong opposition to a government directive that could eliminate bursary funds distributed by county governments.
The move follows guidance from Controller of Budget (CoB) Margaret Nyakang’o, sparking concerns over the potential disruption of education for thousands of financially disadvantaged learners.
For over a decade, Huruma Ward has allocated bursaries to more than 2,000 underprivileged students, offering them a crucial lifeline in their educational pursuits.
MCA Wanjohi has cautioned that the discontinuation of these funds would be disastrous for many students who rely on them.
“A significant portion of my ward’s residents struggle with poverty. Without these bursaries, many learners will be unable to continue with their studies, denying them opportunities for a brighter future,” he stated.
One of the beneficiaries, Kariuki Mogure, a fourth-year law student at Moi University Annex Campus, shared his personal experience.
“Before receiving the bursary, financial struggles forced me to defer my studies several times. This funding enabled me to stay in school, and now, as I near graduation, I fear my education might be cut short if the program is abolished.”
Similarly, David Mogita highlighted the impact of financial aid. “For many of us, this bursary has been our only hope.
Its removal would shatter our dreams of completing our education and leave countless students facing uncertain futures.”
Kelly Masika, a high school student, also expressed anxiety over the changes. “I joined Form 1 with the bursary’s support, and now, as I prepare to enter Form 2, I worry that I may have to drop out if this funding is taken away,” she said.
The bursary program has played a critical role in ensuring students from low-income backgrounds can pursue education without financial hindrances.
MCA Wanjohi has urged President William Ruto, who hails from the nearby Turbo Sub-county, to intervene and safeguard the program.
“Education is the key to transforming lives. If these bursaries are scrapped, many students will be left without options,” he appealed.
The directive issued by CoB Nyakang’o mandates county governments to establish intergovernmental agreements before extending educational support that falls under national government responsibilities.
This requirement threatens to restrict county-level bursary programs, putting the academic futures of thousands at risk.
In response, MCA Wanjohi and affected students are urging the government to reconsider its decision.
Rather than discontinuing the bursary scheme, they advocate for increased funding to ensure all needy students can continue their education without disruptions.
As discussions unfold, the fate of many vulnerable students remains uncertain, with hopes pinned on government intervention to uphold access to education for those in need.
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