MP issues demands after students miss presidential bursary for 2 years

Loima Member of Parliament (MP) Protus Akujah has raised alarm over the failure to disburse the Presidential Secondary School Bursary (PSSB) in full.

Speaking at the Parliament Building on Thursday, June 6, 2024, the legislator expressed concern regarding the bursary programme noting that it has not been disbursed in full for the last two financial years.

Akujah told the Social Protection Committee that despite the National Assembly playing a crucial role in approving the annual budget which includes an allocation of Ksh1.2 billion to the kitty intended to be distributed across all Constituencies, they have only received a paltry sum of the total fund, adding that this has resulted in the numerous beneficiaries discontinuing their studies due to inability to pay.

“The initiative was a commendable commitment to actualizing the provision of Article 53 (1)(b) of the Constitution which enshrines the right of every child to free and compulsory basic education. However, the current situation is particularly alarming given the rising number of targeted beneficiaries over the years, further compounding the need for adequate funding,” Akujah stated.

Demands

With the number of beneficiaries forced to defer or drop out of school, Akujah has asked the Social Protection Committee to establish why the money has not been disbursed for the two financial years.

Moreover, the MP has tasked the committee to brief the House on the measures being implemented to ensure beneficiaries do not miss the bursary opportunities in future.

“What measures has the Ministry put in place to guarantee that in the future PSSB funds are released as allocated in the budget and disbursed in a timely manner?” he asked.

Bursary programme

The programme was established in 2013 under the State Department of Social Protection with the aim of enhancing secondary school enrollment, attendance and completion of studies by orphans and vulnerable children.

Since its launch, several students have benefitted from the programme and eased the burden of high school fees.

It was supposed to complement other bursary programmes issued by governors and those contained in the CDF money.

The programme was also touted to help the government achieve 100 per cent secondary school transition.

However, the government has yet to issue a report on how the programme has helped the vulnerable students in the country.

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