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The Coast Civil Society Network for Human Rights (CCSNH) is advocating for Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) to be barred from the process of issuing bursaries.
The network, chaired by Zedekiah Adika, emphasizes that MCAs should adhere to their constitutional and County Government Act-mandated oversight role rather than participating in bursary distribution.
Adika, expressing concerns about potential loopholes, asserts that MCAs should focus on their oversight responsibilities. The network, actively involved in monitoring the budget cycle of six coastal counties, specifically scrutinizes the formulation of budget documents, expenditures, and audit processes.
Highlighting the need for transparency in the distribution of Mombasa County Elimu Fund bursaries, Adika proposes that the process should originate from educational institutions. He recommends the establishment of committees at the Sub-County level for form distribution, suggesting that if deemed inadequate, the County Government should involve ward administrators rather than MCAs.
The Civil Society has communicated their stance through letters to the Governor and County Assembly Speaker, urging MCAs to refrain from participating in a process that compromises their oversight purpose. They argue that MCAs’ involvement may lead to favoritism toward their supporters, creating an unfair system.
The advocacy group insists on fund administrators submitting reports to the Office of the Auditor General, with MCAs playing their oversight role. Additionally, they recommend the recruitment of professionals by County Governments to administer the Elimu Funds to ensure a non-political and unbiased approach.
Adika mentions an incident in Changamwe Constituency where chaos ensued during the issuance of bursary forms by an MCA last year. He contends that if the County Government handled bursary issuance, it would be more uniform and less susceptible to favoritism.
The advocacy group underscores the importance of a professional and impartial process that respects the significance of education in children’s lives and supports the growth of County Governments.
