Narok Senator Ledama Olekina has called for an end to the politicisation of school bursaries, warning that the current system undermines the constitutional right to education and disadvantages vulnerable learners.

In a post shared on X on January 11, 2026, the senator criticised the use of bursaries as political leverage, noting that the continued use of bursaries as political tools undermines education as a constitutional right.

He also said that access to learning should never depend on political goodwill or patronage; it must be guaranteed and equitable. By empowering schools and strengthening public education financing, the government can ensure no child is left behind. Children should focus on learning, not worrying about school fees; the responsibility lies with the state and the education system, not politicians.

“The use of bursaries as political weapons must end. Education is a right, not a favour. Let’s empower schools, not politicians, to ensure no child is left behind. Our children shouldn’t worry about school fees. The government and schools should,” he said.

Olekina’s remarks come amid renewed debate over the effectiveness and fairness of Kenya’s fragmented bursary framework, which is administered through multiple channels, including the National Government Constituencies Development Fund (NG-CDF), county governments, and other devolved and national offices.

Concerns over fragmented bursary systems

The senator’s statement reflects concerns that the current bursary structure has become heavily politicised, with allocations often influenced by political loyalty rather than financial need.

Education stakeholders have previously raised alarms that deserving learners are sometimes excluded due to lack of political connections, while others receive support based on patronage networks.

Olekina’s call aligns with broader discussions on shifting education financing away from politicians toward institutions that directly manage learners.

He urged a system where schools and education authorities are empowered to identify and support students facing financial hardship, reducing dependence on discretionary political processes.

Calls for structural reform

Olekina’s position echoes earlier remarks by former National Assembly Speaker and Public Service Cabinet Secretary Justin Muturi, who in October 2025 criticised Kenya’s multiple bursary schemes as inefficient.

Speaking in Mbeere North, Muturi said, “Let’s be honest: bursaries are not working. Every MP, governor, and MCA has a bursary fund, yet thousands of needy children still miss out on education.”

Muturi proposed consolidating all bursary funds into a single national education financing framework to ensure fairness, accountability, and universal access. He argued that Kenya has sufficient resources to provide free education if funds are managed transparently and without political interference.