Former National Assembly Speaker Justin Muturi has advocated for the dismantling of Kenya's existing multi-layered bursary system, proposing instead a single national education fund. Speaking in Mbeere North on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, Muturi asserted that the current framework, managed independently by Members of Parliament (MPs), Governors, and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs), is inefficient and susceptible to corruption, thereby failing many deserving students.

“Let’s be honest: bursaries are not working. Every MP, Governor, and MCA has a bursary fund, yet thousands of needy children still miss out on education,” Muturi stated. His remarks were made shortly after accompanying Newton Karish to present his nomination papers to the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) for the Mbeere North parliamentary by-election.

Historical and Political Context

The call for reform comes amidst long-standing concerns regarding the efficacy and transparency of Kenya's bursary schemes. Education in Kenya is a constitutional right, guaranteeing every child free and compulsory basic education. However, despite various government-funded initiatives, education remains a significant financial burden for many families. The fragmented bursary system, which includes funds from the Constituency Development Fund (CDF), county bursary programs, and the President's Bursary Fund, has been criticised for becoming a political tool rather than an equitable support structure.

Reports, such as one by the Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA Kenya) in 2019, have highlighted that bursary disbursements often favour politically connected individuals, with limited oversight. A 2020 report by Transparency International Kenya indicated that over 30% of eligible students were unsuccessful in their bursary applications, while some beneficiaries were not the most in need. The lack of harmonised targeting mechanisms leads to inefficiencies and inequality.

Laws, Policy, and Governance

The current system involves multiple entities in bursary disbursement, each with varying application processes, eligibility criteria, and deadlines. This complexity creates confusion and duplication of efforts. The National Government-Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) Act 2015, which channels funds to MPs for various projects including bursaries, was recently declared unconstitutional by the High Court, with the fund set to cease operations by June 2026. This ruling cited violations of the separation of powers principle and a lack of proper consultation with the Senate, arguing that allocating billions to MPs through NG-CDF was a misuse of taxpayer money.

The Controller of Budget (CoB) has also recently suspended bursary allocations for the 2026-2027 financial year, pending a review of the disbursement framework. This move has drawn criticism from some quarters, with Kwale Nominated Senator Raphael Chimera accusing the CoB of overstepping her mandate and unfairly impacting needy students. However, Senator Chimera also welcomed the proposal for a centralised bursary disbursement platform, believing it would enhance fairness and accountability.

Stakeholders and Testimonies

Muturi's call for a single fund resonates with a broader sentiment among stakeholders for a more streamlined and transparent system. The politicisation of bursaries has been a recurring concern, with politicians often using them as patronage tools. This practice can turn a child's educational needs into a platform for political mileage.

Students from low-income households continue to face significant challenges in accessing education due to fees and other related expenses. A study in Kisumu County found that while bursary schemes play a crucial role, inefficiencies in targeting, consistency, and adequacy remain barriers to full access. Furthermore, 57.1% of students in the study were unaware of bursary providers, limiting their access to available aid.

Evidence and Data

• Fragmented System: Bursaries are currently disbursed through various political offices, including MCAs, MPs (via CDF), Senators, Women Representatives, and Governors (through county programs), alongside the President's Bursary Fund, Free Day Secondary Education (FDSE) Fund, and Higher Education Loans Board (HELB).
• Inefficiency and Corruption: A 2019 Institute of Economic Affairs (IEA Kenya) report indicated that bursary disbursements often favor politically connected individuals. A 2020 Transparency International Kenya report found that over 30% of eligible students were unsuccessful in obtaining bursaries.
• Unaccounted Funds: An audit report highlighted widespread irregularities in bursary allocations, with some counties unable to provide supporting documents or reconcile financial records. Seven counties were scrutinised for failing to account for over KSh 880 million in bursary funds.
• Impact on Access: Despite bursary provisions, approximately 10% of the 2023 cohort did not report to school due to financial constraints, according to a 2024 Republic of Kenya report.
• Administrative Costs: Running separate bursary programs across multiple government layers incurs massive administrative costs, which could otherwise directly support students.

Risks and Implications

The continued fragmentation and alleged corruption within the bursary system pose significant risks to Kenya's education sector. It perpetuates inequality, denying genuinely needy students opportunities and potentially hindering national development. The politicisation of funds can undermine the integrity of the education system and erode public trust. Furthermore, the administrative overheads associated with multiple schemes divert resources that could otherwise be directly invested in student support.

Unknowns and Controversies

While the call for a single national education fund is gaining traction, details regarding its implementation remain unclear. Questions persist about the specific timelines for such a transition, the estimated costs involved in establishing and running a new system, and the safeguards that would be put in place to prevent similar issues of corruption and inefficiency. The ongoing debate between the Controller of Budget and county governments over bursary disbursement highlights the complexities of reforming the current framework.

Timeline and Next Steps

Muturi's statement on Wednesday, October 8, 2025, adds to the ongoing public discourse on education funding reform. The Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) has set November 27, 2025, for the Mbeere North by-election, where Newton Karish, whom Muturi accompanied for nomination, is a candidate. This by-election, along with others scheduled, may influence the political landscape and the momentum for policy changes. The Controller of Budget's suspension of bursary allocations for the 2026-2027 financial year indicates that a review of the disbursement framework is already underway.

What to Watch

The coming months will be crucial in observing how the government and various stakeholders respond to calls for education funding reform. Key areas to watch include:

• Further policy announcements from the Ministry of Education regarding a potential national education fund.
• The outcome of the Controller of Budget's review of the bursary disbursement framework.
• Legislative actions in Parliament concerning the future of the NG-CDF and other bursary-related laws.
• The discourse surrounding the Mbeere North by-election and how education funding issues are addressed by candidates.

These developments will shape the future of education financing in Kenya and determine whether a more equitable and efficient system can be established to support all deserving students.