COG condemns Controller of Budget over misleading information on bursaries

COG chairman Ahmed Abullahi. Photo/Courtesy

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By Peter K'opiyo

The Council of Governors (COG) through its chairperson Ahmed Abullahi has condemned both the Controller of Budget (COB) and the Intergovernmental Relations Technical Committee (IGRTC) over bursaries.

COG called out the two entities for misleading and confusing information, on the issue of bursaries given to learners across the country, by county governments.

The Wajir county boss stated that the COB in its circular alleged that devolved units were taking up functions constitutionally in the hands of the national government. 

"We note with concern that the Controller of Budget's circular insinuates that the County Governments are undertaking a national government function through issuance of bursaries. Further, by the circular, the Controller purports to direct counties on management of its functions," stated the COG boss.

Abdullahi stated that there is no legislation on which level of government is mandated to issue bursaries, adding that all learners are Kenyan children.

"We wish to reiterate that county governments are not taking up the national government's functions by offering bursaries to needy children. The law does not explicitly assign the governing of bursaries to either of the two levels of government," he asserted.

Abdullahi further revealed that bursary allocations are made subject to public participation in communities, to craft a list of the neediest learners to be supported.

"The county budgets including the budgets for bursaries undergo public participation and therefore are approved by the community.  The inclusion of the bursary is a priority of the community and resonates with Article 174 (d & e) as read together with the Fourth Schedule part (2) paragraph 14 which calls on county governments to ensure and coordinate the participation of communities and locations in governance at the local level by assisting the educational capacity of their communities," explained the COG chairperson. 

He urged the COB to appreciate and uphold decisions made by County Assemblies on budget approvals, as he called upon the COB and IGTRC to engage and consult with the governors on matters of governance and policy.