Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has strongly opposed a directive from Controller of Budget (CoB) Margaret Nyakang’o that prevents counties from using their allocations for bursaries. He warned that this move threatens the education of thousands of vulnerable students, with over 124,000 learners in Nairobi alone at risk.
Speaking at a church service, Sakaja argued that county bursary programs are essential and do not infringe on national government duties. He urged a review of the directive, emphasizing that until free education is fully implemented, bursaries remain crucial for disadvantaged students.
Local leaders, including Makadara MP George Aladwa, echoed Sakaja’s concerns, noting that the directive leaves them unable to assist struggling parents. The CoB directive states that counties can only fund education if an intergovernmental agreement is in place.
The dispute underscores ongoing tensions over the division of responsibilities between county and national governments, with calls for a resolution that prioritizes students’ welfare.
