Time to change mode of bursary disbursement

Nyamira Governor Amos Nyaribo government has been accused of issuing bursaries selectively. Sadly, the problem is not restricted to Nyamira. Complaints of favouritism have been registered across the country. In Kisii County recently, disagreement arose over the issuance of bursaries and resulted into supporters of Governor Simba Arati and Member of Parliament Silvanus Osoro engaging in physical fights.

These acts play squarely into claims that governors, MPs, Woman Reps and Members of County Assemblies (MCAs) have turned bursaries into political weapons. Indeed, bursaries have become a mode of reward for supporters, cronies and loyalists. They are powerful campaign tools that are mostly deployed with an eye on the votes and not necessarily to help the deserving.