Giving false information or influencing issuance of a bursary will soon land you in jail or cost you a hefty penalty if a proposed law is passed by the Nakuru County Assembly.
The Nakuru County Bursary Fund Bill, 2019 sponsored by Keringet Ward rep Anthony Rotich seeks to ensure only deserving cases benefit from bursaries.
The Bill proposes that any person who knowingly misrepresents facts to influence being granted bursary shall upon conviction pay a fine not exceeding Sh100,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding six months or both.
“Any person who with intent to deceive forges or alters supporting documents shall upon conviction be guilty of an offence punishable by a fine not exceeding Sh200,000 or imprisonment for a term not exceeding one year,” the Bill adds.
According to a report by Budget and Appropriation Committee, the county government of Nakuru disbursed Sh119 million bursary to 25,218 students last year. They each received Sh4,718.
Corruption or highhandedness
There are accusations of favouritism, corruption or highhandedness against Ward Bursary Committee members tasked with identifying beneficiaries. As a result, the Bill has proposed tough penalties for committee members who flout set guidelines on identification and award of bursary.
“Any committee member who contravenes provisions of this Act shall upon conviction be guilty of an offence punishable by a fine not exceeding Sh1 million or a jail term not exceeding three years and censored from holding public office,” the Bill reads.
Bursary committee members who commit an offence as prescribed under Public Finance Management Act shall upon conviction be sentenced to a term not exceeding two years or a fine not exceeding Sh1 million or both.
Over the years, the selection of beneficiaries has been left to staff employed by MCAs sparking allegations of discrimination against applicants who come from areas that do not support the leaders.
To enhance transparency and fairness, the Bill has proposed the creation of an independent committee at the ward level that will take over the role.
“The Ward Bursary Committee shall consist of one representative from learning institutions, a representative from each village elected by residents, four members representing youth, women, the disabled and marginalised communities in the ward,” the Bill states.
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