Why MP Julius Melly wants bursaries issued by one entity, central system

Tinderet MP Julius Melly. [Wilberforce Okwiri, Standard]

Tinderet MP Julius Melly wants the disbursement of bursaries to needy students centralised to enhance equity and transparency.

Mr Melly, who is also chairman of the National Assembly Education Committee, said he plans to table a Bill seeking to harmonise bursaries advanced through county and national governments to ensure transparency.

Speaking in his constituency on Wednesday, the MP regretted that thousands of deserving students do not receive bursary.

"We have to put in place policy structures and systems that enroll students in high schools and tertiary institutions for their school fees to be paid on time. The credentials of needy students receiving education sponsorship should be identified and given priority on any occasion," he said.

Students from vulnerable families benefit from county education kitty and National Government Constituency Development Funds (NG-CDF).

The legislator said the distribution of the money has not been fair, claiming duplication of fee awards since some are paid by the county and NG-CDF concurrently.

"For the process to be fair and free, we have to put in place a system for efficient regulation of the funds both in the county and the national government," he said.

The MP said the Ministry of Education should be the custodian of a list of children under government sponsorship to be used as a reference for approval of beneficiaries before releasing the funds.

Melly also said corporates, non governmental organisations, banks and charity institutions could use the same system to disburse bursary.