National Assembly Sets Up 17-Member Committee to Unify Education Funding
In a significant move aimed at ensuring no child is denied access to education due to lack of school fees, the National Assembly has approved the formation of a 17-member ad-hoc committee tasked with overhauling the country’s education funding system.
The committee is expected to review the fragmented administration of education funds and recommend a unified, sustainable, and comprehensive framework for financing education from primary to tertiary level. The end goal is to create a National Education Fund to consolidate various funding streams under one umbrella.
Key Mandate and Membership
The newly formed committee, which has 90 days to present its report to Parliament, will:
- Map out and analyse all current education-related funds including bursaries, government capitation, scholarships, and grants across both national and county governments.
- Examine the legal, financial, and operational frameworks governing these funds.
- Identify inefficiencies, duplications, and disparities in the current system.
- Draft legislation to establish a National Education Fund.
The committee includes: Junet Mohamed (Suna East), Naisula Lesuuda (Samburu West), Mary Emaase (Teso South), Stephen Mule (Matungulu), Elijah Njoroge (Gatundu North), Udgoon Siyyad (Garissa Women Rep), Omboko Milemba (Emuhaya), Eve Obara (Kabondo Kasipul), Titus Khamala (Lurambi), Charles Onchoke (Bonchari), Clive Gisairo (Kitutu Masaba), Daniel Kiili (Igembe Central), Caroline Ngelechei (Elgeyo Marakwet Women Rep), Reuben Kiborek (Mogotio), Jane Kagiri (Laikipia Women Rep), Adan Keynan (Eldas), and Amina Mnyazi (Malindi).
Funding Chaos and Student Misclassification
The move follows rising concerns over the inefficiencies of the current Means Testing Instrument (MTI), which classifies students into funding bands based on eight parameters including family income, gender, and course type. Many students and MPs argue the model has led to widespread misclassification and unequal access to financial support.
Higher Education PS Beatrice Inyang’ala acknowledged that the system had flaws, admitting that inaccurate data—sometimes falsified by applicants—complicates the classification process.
MPs including Millie Odhiambo (Suba North) and Caroli Omondi (Suba South) called for funding models that are sensitive to students’ evolving circumstances and less reliant on ambiguous social parameters.
Call for Consolidation of Funds
Lawmakers argue that the existence of multiple funding sources—ranging from HELB and NGCDF to county bursaries—has created overlaps and inconsistencies.
“All these resources come from the same source—the diminishing public purse,” said Speaker Moses Wetang’ula. “MCAs, MPs, and Governors are all giving bursaries. HELB is also disbursing money. It’s time we merged these efforts under one coordinated system.”
A New Era for Education Access
The proposed National Education Fund could be a game-changer in addressing inequity in Kenya’s education sector. The committee’s report and the resulting legislation are expected to shape the future of education financing and access in Kenya.
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National Assembly Sets Up 17-Member Committee to Unify Education Funding