In the aftermath of the Gen Z protests, funding of education, from primary to university, became a national debate in light of the heavy burden parents and guardians have to carry.
Education funding remains one of the major cost of living debates in Kenya on account of the place of education in our society.
But even as public education remains a major subject of national debate, a new report from the Public Service Commission reveals that unacceptable levels of allocation disparity dog bursaries at every level.
One of the key suggestions at the time of the Gen Z protests was the amalgamation of all bursaries, which in effect would make education free.
The Ministry of Education runs a Sh2.5 billion bursary fund (Elimu Scholarship) whose disbursement criteria is not very clear.
It also emerged that Nairobi, Garissa and Turkana counties take up 42 per cent of the entire budget. Education, the world over, is widely acknowledged as the most effective tool for fighting poverty.
It is the surest way of lifting the standards of living of millions of families if used transparently and for the right students.
Our education bureaucrats must do the right thing and ensure needy students apply so they do not drop out of the education system.
HISTORICAL QUOTE
“None but ourselves can free our minds.”
BOB MARLEY
The Jamaican reggae musician was born on January 6, 1945.
