By Betty Luke
A section of Isiolo MCAs have demanded an explanation from the county executive over misuse of funds that had been set aside for bursary saying needy learners were on the verge of dropping out of school.
Led by the County Assembly Education Committee Chairperson David Waithaka, the ward representatives said despite approving Sh75 million in the last financial year, less than half of the amount had been put into right use.
Governor Abdi Ibrahim Hassan February this year launched Sh70 million bursaries causing outcry among the lawmakers and residents who demanded an explanation over the whereabouts of the Sh5 million deficit.
The money, the lawmakers said, was supposed to be disbursed in two phases but both phases had allegedly been marred with irregularities.
“While Burat ward had an allocation of Sh3 million for the first phase, only Sh1.8 million was awarded. We raised issues about the disparities but the Chief Officer for Education said he was under instruction by a higher authority,” noted Burat MCA Nicholas Lorot.
The ward representative revealed that they were treated to a rude shock after the Chief Officer allegedly informed them that there was only Sh12.5 million allocation for the second phase whose award is said to be currently underway.
“The electorates have lost hope in us because they think we lied to them that needy children would learn uninterrupted. We are yet to get clear information on where the money was directed to,” noted Mr Waithaka.
The leaders accused of the Education Department of failure to adhere to the existing laws especially on bursaries and instead following instructions from their “boss”.
They alleged that top county officials were illegally issuing bursaries to communities, disenfranchising the neediest learners.
“There is a board set aside to oversee awarding and disbursement of bursaries but they have been sidelined. They are kept in darkness,” said Mr Waithaka adding “who is that authority who issues instruction that are against the law?”
Wabera MCA Salesio Kiambi revealed that they had increased the allocation that initially stood at Sh35 million to ensure access to education for all children regardless of their backgrounds.
He said it was sad that their aim had not been achieved due to roque public servants who he said were out to fulfill their selfish agenda.
“Being cognizant of the poverty levels in our county, we saw the need to support access to education for all children and therefore increased bursary allocation. It pains us that the money we approved has not been prudently used,” he said.
The MCAs demanded an explanation from top county education officials on use of the funds, warning them that they risked being prosecuted over graft.
