Senator Boni Khalwale calls for overhaul of bursary distribution system

By Robert Mutasi 

Kakamega Senator Boni Khalwale has condemned mismanagement of funds meant for bursary and called for radical reform to ensure a level playing field for all Kenyan children. 

Khalwale decried the inconsistency in which the bursary money itself did not reach the much-deserved beneficiaries.

Khalwale blamed the political handling of bursary disbursements, which, according to him, was politicized up to the level that the money will not be well spent.

"Bursary does not reach Kenyans as it is supposed to. That money should be taken away from politicians and handed over to the Ministry of Education," Khalwale said.

According to him, this shift would streamline the allocation process so as to ensure the money directly benefits the students for whom they were intended.

His proposal on changing the channels of bursary funds to the Ministry of Education seeks to devise a system that allows for free education, from nursery through to university.

Khalwale said education was a right and crucial tool in national development.

He expressed disappointment over the fact that many bright and deserving students miss out on educational opportunities because of bureaucratic and political interference in the way funds are distributed.

The senator's call comes amidst ongoing debates over the efficacy of Kenya's bursary system.

Recent reports by the education stakeholder indicate a large proportion of the allotted bursary money either goes unaccounted for or is not given out in time to the deserving students. 

There have also been complaints of political favoritism, where local politicians are said to favor their supporters for bursary allocations.

Khalwale's comments have stirred debate on the need for policy reform in Kenya's education sector, especially on how financial aid is allocated.

For a long time, educationists have argued that the system should be more open and accountable, with the idea of giving priority to students based on need rather than on the basis of their political affiliations.

As this discussion continues to balloon into the education funding phenomenon, all eyes will be on the government's move to respond to Khalwale's bold proposal.