Thousands of students across the country are staring at an uncertain future after the High Court issued an order barring counties from issuing new bursaries. The ruling, which upholds a directive from Controller of Budget Dr. Margaret Nyakang’o, restricts counties to funding only pre-primary and vocational education, leaving secondary and university students in a financial crisis.
The case, filed by governance watchdog Katiba Institute, is set for a full hearing on February 18, but the freeze on county bursaries has already sent shockwaves through communities that rely on the funds to keep their children in school.
For years, counties have played a crucial role in supplementing education funding, particularly for students from vulnerable backgrounds. However, Dr. Nyakang’o’s circular insists that counties cannot fund national government functions, effectively cutting off financial support for students in secondary schools and higher learning institutions.
Political Fallout and Public Outcry
The ruling has sparked an outcry from county leaders, parents, and education stakeholders who argue that bursaries are a lifeline for struggling families. Many governors have vowed to challenge the decision, warning of mass dropouts and increased financial strain on parents already grappling with a tough economic climate.
“We cannot abandon our children simply because of a legal technicality. Education is a devolved priority, and we will explore all legal avenues to restore bursaries,” said Governor Johnson Sakaja of Nairobi, echoing the sentiments of many county bosses.
Parents, too, are feeling the heat. Mary Nduku, a mother of three, says her children’s education now hangs in the balance. “My son was depending on the bursary to complete Form Four. Without it, I don’t know how we will manage,” she lamented.
What’s Next?
With the case set for hearing in two weeks, all eyes are on the Judiciary to determine whether counties can resume bursary allocations. In the meantime, thousands of students remain in limbo, as schools reopen for the first term of the year.
Education CS Ezekiel Machogu has yet to comment on the matter, but pressure is mounting on the national government to intervene and provide alternative funding.
Will the courts reconsider, or will students be forced to drop out? The battle over county bursaries has just begun.
