Willis Otieno warns against politicising education bursaries
By Kiprono Keileb, January 11, 2026Lawyer-cum-politician Willis Otieno has raised concerns over the use of bursaries as political tools, saying that the practice undermines children’s right to education.
In a statement shared on X on Sunday, January 11, 2026, Willis Otieno highlighted how students’ access to learning is increasingly dependent on loyalty to politicians rather than institutional support.
Otieno stressed that education should remain a guaranteed right for every child in Kenya, free from political influence.
“The use of bursaries as political weapons must come to an end. Education is a right, not a favour, and no child’s future should depend on proximity to a politician or loyalty to a campaign office. The task of keeping children in school belongs to institutions, not individuals seeking applause,” said Otieno.
He reflected on Kenya’s past approach to education, noting that under former President Mwai Kibaki, schooling was treated as public infrastructure rather than a tool for political patronage.
“Kenya once understood this. Under President Kibaki, education was treated as public infrastructure, not a begging bowl. Children went to school by right, not by patronage,” he said.
Otieno warned that the widespread use of NG-CDF bursaries, governors’ bursaries, and women representatives’ handouts has transformed schools into venues for political gain, compromising both student dignity and the integrity of the education system.
“The rot set in when NG-CDF bursaries, governors’ bursaries, and women representatives’ handouts turned schools into political kiosks and students into voting collateral. Fees became leverage. Classrooms became campaign venues. Dignity was replaced with dependency,” Otieno added.
He called on government institutions and education stakeholders to reinforce policies that guarantee access to education without political interference. Experts argue that maintaining education as a right, rather than a favour, is essential for nurturing informed, empowered citizens and sustaining long-term national development.
Willis Otieno’s statement comes amid growing debates over the role of NG-CDF in Kenya’s education sector, with many leaders urging reforms to ensure that learning remains accessible to all students regardless of their regions.