Governor Achani takes on controller of budget over bursary funding halt

The Controller of Budget's recent circular directed counties to cease funding secondary and university bursary programmes, sparking outrage from affected regions, including Kwale.

Kwale’s flagship Elimu Ni Sasa program, initiated in 2013, has been instrumental in supporting education.

Over the years, the program has sponsored 8,842 secondary school students and 6,447 university and college students, benefiting an average of 16,805 learners annually.

To sustain this impact, Governor Achani increased the annual bursary allocation from Ksh. 400 million to Ksh. 500 million to prevent students from dropping out due to financial challenges.

Governor Achani, speaking at the opening of the Ramisi Ward office, urged the Controller of Budget to reconsider her decision, warning that the directive jeopardises the education of thousands of Kwale students.

“As a county, we strongly express our dissatisfaction with the Controller of Budget’s decision to bar counties from issuing bursaries, terming it a national government function. What we are doing is a social responsibility to ensure our children remain in school through county bursaries. Nyakang’o must release our money to allow students to continue their education,” Achani stated.

Kwale County had already distributed bursaries totalling over Ksh. 94 million to national school students in January. However, the county’s request for additional funds to support remaining applicants has been declined by the Controller of Budget, leaving many students in uncertainty.

Supporting the governor’s sentiments, Ramisi Ward MCA and Majority Leader Hon. Hanifa Mwajirani demanded the continuation of the Elimu Ni Sasa program, highlighting its significant impact on the community.

“On behalf of the County Assembly of Kwale, I urge the Controller of Budget to revisit her decision. Denying Kwale access to bursary funds will force many students in national schools, secondary schools, and universities to drop out,” said Mwajirani.

Members of Parliament from Kwale, led by Lunga Lunga MP Mangale Munga Chiforomodo, also weighed in, urging the Controller of Budget to allow counties to resume bursary allocations. They emphasized the importance of counties complementing the national government’s efforts to ensure every child in Kenya has equal access to education.

The stand-off between counties and the Controller of Budget has sparked nationwide debate, with stakeholders calling for clarity and collaboration to safeguard students' futures.