The National Assembly has passed a motion urging the National Government Constituency Development Fund (NG-CDF) board to approve additional funds to the education bursary scheme.
According to the Motion moved by Gatanga MP Edward Muriu, the additional allocation is aimed at supporting teaching and learning related activities associated with Competence Based Curriculum (CBC) including school feeding programs.
While moving the Motion Muriu said that the education bursary schemes under Section 48 of the NG-CDF Act, 2015 ought to be extended to support learners in primary and Junior Secondary Schools (JSSs) to cater for CBC requirements.
He added that failure to extend bursaries to these learners has affected pupils whose parents are unable to meet the attendant costs.
Further, Muriu argued that the current provision to primary and JSS violates the provision of Article 27 of the Constitution on children’s right to quality education and quality nutrition.
According to the lawmaker, the motion creates a foundation for a Bill to amend the Basic Education Act, adding that lack of provision for school feeding programs has resulted in a slow attainment of universal basic education across the country, poor school enrolment and low performance of students in schools.
The member also sought to compel the Ministry of Education to increase the capitation per student in primary schools from the current Sh1,420 per year to at least Sh7,760 factoring in the new CBC and the prevailing high cost of living.
“The motion which I moved on review of the scope of education bursary scheme under NG-CDF and capitation for learners in primary and JSSs has been passed by the House. This therefore, creates a foundation for a Bill to amend the Basic Education Act,” Muriu told journalists after the motion was passed by the House.
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