Crisis as over 300,000 students who sat KCPE in 2023 and are yet to report for their secondary school
As the government proceeds with addressing the situation of approximately 300,000 students who took the KCPE in 2023 but have not yet enrolled in secondary school, concerns have arisen regarding the reasons behind this substantial number of learners facing challenges with school fees.
Questions are being raised about the equitable distribution of various bursaries and scholarships provided by elected officials and private institutions.
Is there a transparent and fair criteria in place for allocating these financial resources, or are they disproportionately benefiting students who may not necessarily be the most deserving?
Despite the availability of multiple funding options, such as the National Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF), scholarships from private institutions, and other programs initiated by elected leaders, why are these students encountering difficulties in securing the necessary financial support for their education?
An alarming instance is exemplified by the situation of Salome Cheptoo from Belgut Constituency, who, despite achieving a score of 370 marks, has not been able to commence her secondary education at Moi Siongiroi Secondary School due to a lack of financial support.
A parallel narrative unfolds with Vivian Cherotich from Kipkelion West Constituency, whose prospects are gradually diminishing as she struggles to secure the necessary funds for her education.
“Tumejaribu kuenda kutafuta pesa kwa county sikupata…nikajaribu Equity sikupata…Elimu Scholarship sikupata…HELB sikupata…CDF nikaambiwa niende shule kwanza itakuja, na shule wanataka pesa siku ya kwanza,” Salome Cheptoo said.
This prompts inquiries into the criteria used for the distribution of bursaries and why numerous cases of need, such as Salome’s, continue to struggle for financial assistance.
In the fiscal year 2022/23, the NG-CDF has been allocated an estimated Ksh.53.5 billion, with Members of Parliament authorized to allocate at least 40% of their constituency funds for bursaries, amounting to slightly over Ksh.20 billion in this scenario.
Apart from the NG-CDF, there is an additional Ksh.22,000 provided by the government in capitation for day scholars.
County governments also extend scholarship programs, and private institutions, along with the national government’s Elimu Scholarship Programme, offer further scholarship opportunities.
Despite these available avenues, the question arises: why are financially needy students still unable to access support?
Is there an imbalance in the distribution of these funds, or are there instances of students receiving multiple financial aid sources?
“Kwa familia yangu hakuna ata mmoja ambaye ameenda secondary, nikienda nitakuwa wa kwanza,” Vivian Cherotich, another needy student, said.
Kahi Indimuli, the former National Chairman of the Kenya Secondary School Heads Association (KESSHA), acknowledges the existing difficulties in bursary management.
He suggests a remedy for this issue by proposing the establishment of a centralized system where all beneficiaries are listed, aiming to address situations where a single student receives multiple bursaries.
This concern has apparently attracted the attention of the government, as indicated by Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang. Kipsang states that measures are being taken to address potential instances of discrimination in the distribution of bursaries.
“We are revamping the Jomo Kenyatta foundations so that we can coordinate the students who receive the bursaries so that one does not benefit from CDF, Elimu, and other bursaries,” stated Kipsang.
In Kathiani Constituency, MP Robert Mbui asserts that the criteria for bursary distribution involve a community-driven approach. The constituency receives an approximate amount of Ksh.42 million, intended to benefit 8,000 students.
The funds are evenly distributed across the 22 wards, and the allocation process takes place within the villages, where community members determine the amounts based on individual needs.
Dagoreti North MP Beatrice Elachi acknowledges the challenges associated with bursary distribution.
She reveals that her office received 15,000 applications on Monday and Tuesday of the current week, and these applications will undergo a verification process before the funds are disbursed.
“When we came in we found a problem, that is developed by politicians, it needs to be streamlined so that the education sector can be functional. Sometimes when desperate parents come, what you give them you don’t know it if helps or not,” Elachi noted.
As a solution remains elusive for now, financially needy students hold onto the hope that they will encounter benevolent individuals who can help bring their dreams of secondary education to fruition.
