The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) party has opposed a directive from the Controller of Budget barring county governments from issuing bursaries to students in higher learning institutions.
In a statement dated January 15 and signed by the party’s leadership, including ODM party leader Anyang’ Nyong’o, the party criticized the decision, expressing deep concern over the imposed financial restrictions on counties.
ODM called on the Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang’o, to withdraw the directive and introduce a fair approach that ensures students from financially disadvantaged backgrounds in colleges, universities, and vocational training institutions continue receiving bursary support from counties.
“We urge the Controller of Budget to reconsider this directive and adopt measures that respect the constitutional rights and responsibilities of both national and county governments,” the statement read.
ODM argued that preventing counties from sponsoring students in tertiary institutions reflects political bias and undermines devolution.
The party accused the National Government of double standards, highlighting how counties face financial restrictions while the National Government continues to interfere with devolved functions unchecked.
“While counties face financial sanctions, the National Government continues to act with impunity, overstepping its mandate in devolved functions without facing any accountability,” the statement added.
ODM further criticized the National Government for encroaching on devolved functions, citing unilateral initiatives such as the direct payment of Community Health Promoters and the imposition of the housing levy without proper consultation with county authorities.
The party also faulted the National Government for constructing markets without securing formal agreements with county administrations.
ODM stressed that if financial restrictions are necessary, they should be applied uniformly across both levels of government until constitutional guidelines for intergovernmental cooperation are fully observed.
ODM warned that the directive would significantly harm critical sectors like education, especially in marginalized and underserved regions where county-supported bursaries have been essential in keeping students in school.
The party emphasized that county governments have implemented transformative education programs such as bursaries, school feeding schemes, and infrastructure development, which have greatly benefited learners.
Governor Nyong’o highlighted how counties such as Kisumu, Mombasa, Kisii, and Homa Bay have played a crucial role in supporting students through bursary schemes, ensuring thousands of children remain in school and perform well academically.
“If counties are prevented from fulfilling their financial obligations, many students risk being expelled, undoing years of progress in promoting equal access to education,” Nyong’o warned.
ODM’s statement comes shortly after Margaret Nyakang’o, the Controller of Budget, issued a directive to all counties barring them from offering bursaries for higher education institutions.
She clarified that funding for students in tertiary institutions falls under the National Government’s mandate.
Nyakang’o, however, noted that counties still have the authority to provide bursaries for other levels of education, including pre-primary and village polytechnics, as those remain part of the devolved government’s responsibilities.
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