{"id":2089,"date":"2026-04-02T18:56:10","date_gmt":"2026-04-02T18:56:10","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/livenation254.com\/?p=2089"},"modified":"2026-04-02T18:56:10","modified_gmt":"2026-04-02T18:56:10","slug":"call-for-urgent-consolidation-of-kenyas-fragmented-bursary-system-to-safeguard-vulnerable-learners","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/livenation254.com\/?p=2089","title":{"rendered":"Call for Urgent Consolidation of Kenya\u2019s Fragmented Bursary System to Safeguard Vulnerable Learners"},"content":{"rendered":"

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Call for Urgent Consolidation of Kenya\u2019s Fragmented Bursary System to Safeguard Vulnerable Learners<\/strong><\/p><\/blockquote>\n

By News Desk <\/em><\/strong><\/p>\n

Growing concerns over inefficiencies in Kenya\u2019s education funding framework have sparked renewed calls for the consolidation of all bursary schemes into a single, transparent, and accountable national fund.<\/p>\n

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Currently, Kenya\u2019s bursary system remains fragmented across multiple channels, including the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), County Government bursaries, and Ministry of Education scholarship programs. Despite billions of shillings invested annually, evidence emerging from the Elimu Mashinani<\/em> initiative reveals a system plagued by duplication, inequity, and administrative inefficiencies\u2014ultimately failing the most vulnerable learners.<\/p>\n

Speaking during the Makueni Elimu Mashinani<\/em> forum, education expert Prof. Bitok emphasized the urgent need to merge these disparate funding streams into a unified national kitty. He noted that consolidation would eliminate widespread cases of \u201cdouble dipping,\u201d where well-connected beneficiaries access multiple bursaries while equally deserving students are left out.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n

\u201cA single, centralized system will ensure fairness, transparency, and accountability in the allocation of education funds,\u201d Prof. Bitok stated.<\/p>\n

A System in Crisis<\/strong><\/p>\n

The current multi-channel structure has created a paradox where, despite heavy government spending, thousands of students\u2014particularly from marginalized and remote areas\u2014remain out of school due to lack of fees. The absence of a centralized database has allowed \u201cbursary hunters\u201d to exploit the system, while the \u201chidden poor\u201d continue to fall through the cracks.<\/p>\n

Additionally, maintaining multiple bursary schemes has led to inflated administrative costs, diverting critical resources away from learners and into bureaucratic processes.<\/p>\n

National Parents Association Backs Reform<\/strong><\/p>\n

The National Parents Association (NPA) has thrown its full support behind the proposed consolidation, terming it a long-overdue reform that will restore dignity and equity in access to education.<\/p>\n

According to the NPA, a unified bursary fund would:<\/p><\/blockquote>\n