Civil society groups in Garissa have protested a move by the county government to allocate bursary and development funds to MCAs.
They said the current practice politicises the process, leaving de-serving students disadvantaged.
Last week, Governor Nathif Jama distributed Sh22 million county bursary cheques to support 1,200 needy students across the county.
The funds were allocated to beneficiaries from all 30 wards, with the cheques handed over to the 30 MCAs and 17 nominated MCAs, led by Education Committee Chairman Omar Abdi.
The governor said the bursary covers students attending technical institutions, colleges, and universities domestically and abroad.
On Sunday, however, the Garissa County Community Development Watchdog Group said the move contravenes the Constitution.
The lobby’s chairman Hassan Gumo said it undermines the principles of transparency, accountability, and equitable development.
“The Constitution distinctly separates the powers and functions of the three arms of government,” he said.
He said at the county level, the county executive is tasked with the implementation of development projects, while the county assembly is responsible for legislation, representation, and oversight.
“Allocating funds to MCAs for development projects or bursaries disrupts this separation and fosters role conflict, leading to inefficiencies and reduced accountability,” Gumo said.
He said MCAs are constitutionally mandated to exercise oversight over the county executive, adding that when they directly manage bursary and development funds, it creates a conflict of interest, effectively undermining their oversight role.
The activists said in past allocations, MCAs have been practicing favoritism, thereby undermining the spirit of equitable development.
In light of the above concerns, activists are now demanding the immediate cessation of the allocation of bursary and development funds to MCAs.
They also want the establishment of an independent bursary and development committee under the county executive to manage the funds in line with constitutional requirements.
Other demands include enhanced public participation in the allocation and oversight of all development funds.
They also want a comprehensive audit of the bursary and development funds allocated in the current financial year, with a public report on the findings.
“As citizens of Garissa county, we are committed to safeguarding the Constitution and ensuring that public resources are utilised effectively and equitably,” Gumo said.
“We urge your office to address these issues promptly to restore public trust and uphold the principles of good governance.”
This echoes calls by activists in the past to keep MCAs out of bursaries.
In January, the Coast Civil Society Network for Human Rights said ward representatives should stick to their oversight role.
The network monitors the formulation of budget documents and also the expenditure and audit process.
