ODM warns of education collapse over county funding restrictions

ODM acting party leader Anyang' Nyong'o. [Standard, File]

The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has warned education programs in counties risk collapse following a directive from the Controller of Budget, Margaret Nyakang'o, imposing financial restrictions on county governments.

On Monday, January 15, acting party leader Anyang' Nyong'o condemned the move, saying it violates devolution principles and undermines constitutional governance.

He criticised the National Government for continuing to encroach on devolved functions like health and housing without facing consequences, while county governments are being targeted with embargoes.

"If financial embargoes are to be imposed on counties, the same must apply to the National Government," he said in a statement signed by Deputy Party Leaders Abdullswamad Sheriff Nassir, Simba Arati and Chairperson Gladys Wanga.

The restrictions, Nyong'o noted, will most affect education, particularly in regions including Kisumu, Mombasa, Kisii and Homa Bay, where county governments fund essential educational programs.

The leaders called on Nyakang'o to reconsider her directive and adopt an approach that upholds the constitutional rights of both levels of government.

"Unilateral actions that undermine counties risk stalling progress and deepening inequalities," Nyong'o noted.

Nyakang'o, in her directive issued Wednesday, reminded county officials that the Constitution designates primary and secondary education as national government functions, with counties only responsible for pre-primary education and local services.

She said counties must transfer education functions to the national government, before any county spending on bursary schemes can be approved.

"Any request for funds to perform national government functions must be accompanied by the required intergovernmental agreement," Nyakang'o added.