By Njeri Irungu.
Murang’a County Governor Irungu Kang’ata and Kiru Ward Member of County Assembly (MCA) Morris Thuku Gathoni are leading a concerted effort to compel the release of delayed bursary funds, with contempt of court proceedings now being initiated against the Controller of Budget. The move comes as thousands of anxious parents and students face uncertainty just days before schools reopen for the new term.
The crisis stems from the Controller of Budget’s failure to disburse funds despite a clear court order obtained by Murang’a County Government. These bursaries serve as a lifeline for vulnerable families, covering essential school expenses including tuition, uniforms, and learning materials. Governor Kang’ata has condemned the delay as “an unacceptable violation of both court orders and children’s constitutional right to education.”
Kiru Ward MCA Morris Thuku Gathoni, a vocal advocate for education rights, emphasized the human impact of the delay. “In my ward alone, over 2,000 students depend on these bursaries,” Gathoni stated. “We’re talking about bright but needy children who might miss their first week of school because of this bureaucratic failure.” The MCA has been mobilizing parents and school administrators to document cases of students at risk of being sent home due to unpaid fees.
The legal showdown highlights ongoing tensions in Kenya’s devolution framework, with county governments frequently citing unnecessary delays in fund disbursements from national offices. Governor Kang’ata, leveraging his legal background as a former Senator, has vowed to pursue all available remedies. “We won’t tolerate actions that jeopardize our children’s future,” he declared during a recent meeting with education officials.
MCA Gathoni has announced parallel measures, including emergency meetings with school principals to explore temporary solutions. “While we fight this legal battle, we’re also working on contingency plans to ensure no child is left behind,” he assured constituents.
Education experts warn that the outcome could set a precedent for intergovernmental financial disputes across Kenya’s devolved units.
As the standoff continues, all eyes remain on the Controller of Budget’s office for response. Parents like Jane Wambui, a single mother of three in Kiru Ward, represent the human dimension of this crisis. “I’ve already sold my chicken to buy one uniform,” she shared. “If the bursary doesn’t come, I don’t know how my children will continue their education.”
