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By Fred Maingi
Over 50,000 learners in Murang’a County face uncertainty over school fees as a standoff continues between the county government and the Controller of Budget.
Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata, addressing the press at his Upper Hill office, criticized Controller of Budget Dr. Margaret Nyakang’o for failing to comply with a court order allowing counties to disburse bursaries.
In January 2025, Dr. Nyakang’o issued a directive barring counties from issuing bursaries for primary, secondary, and tertiary students, citing the Fourth Schedule of the Constitution. According to her, these education levels fall under the national government’s purview. She insisted counties are only constitutionally mandated to support pre-primary education, village polytechnics, homecraft centers, and childcare facilities—unless an intergovernmental agreement is in place under Article 187.
This directive sparked widespread backlash, with leaders and residents arguing that bursary programs are vital for access to education and protected under Article 43 of the Constitution.
On April 8, 2025, the courts issued conservatory orders lifting the restriction, thereby allowing counties to resume bursary disbursement. However, Governor Kang’ata says the Controller of Budget has yet to act on the ruling, putting thousands of learners at risk of missing school as institutions reopen this week.
“We’ve allocated Ksh 235 million to support over 5,000 students,” Governor Kang’ata stated. “But without approval from the Controller of Budget, these funds cannot reach the intended beneficiaries.”
Kiiru Ward MCA Hon. Gathoni Maurice echoed these concerns, revealing that desperate parents continue to flock to his office seeking answers. He urged fellow MCAs to unite against the directive, which he says threatens the future of countless children in the county.
The situation remains tense as learners and parents await a resolution before schools resume.