Bomet: Needy students face it rough after bursaries supported by county government remain suspended

Written by Joy Christine

Bomet Governor Dr. Hillary Barchok is forced to relinquish both scholarship and bursary programs as a result of the senate suspending several activities in the county.

Among them, Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE), bursaries and scholarships.

According to Senate Standing Committee on Education, the programs did not meet legislative framework and national objectives. ECDE classrooms had been built at donated spaces such as private properties and church premises which is considered illegal.

“The unilateral establishment of this program without proper consultation or adherence to establish guideline raises concern about its sustainability and compliance with legal requirements,” shared senate clerk Jeremiah Nyegenye.

“We direct that this practice be halted immediately. Resources allocated to such initiatives should instead be redirected towards the construction of permanent ECDE facilities within public land designated for educational purposes and all ECDE pupils currently accommodated on donated property be taken to the mother schools.” added the senate

Governor Barchok stated that this rift is emanating from  senator Hillary Sigei.”I will  terminate the bursary program and hand over the beneficiaries to the senators Wakili program,” Said governor, adding that he had worked hard in sustaining  the program despite limited resources from the county.

“The senator does not know what I did to pay for these students’ education. In fact, as governors, we refer  these programs as social support. Education is very important and we should not use other means in denying our children their right to education,” he stated.

Senator Segei however, was quick to dispute the governor’s accusations. He said that Governor Barchok could not account for the money that had been allocated for the bursaries and scholarships accusing him of corruption and mismanagement of the county.

“As we speak millions of shillings meant for bursaries and scholarships have been stolen. Several ECDE centers across the county have also stalled despite being allocated funds and the governor is not discussing the issue. This is wrong because residents must get value for their money,” stated the senator.

The future of the learners of Bomet county relying on bursaries and scholarships remain uncertain as the governor still grapples with the accusations being launched against him. All eyes are now on Bomet county to see how the issues will unfold.

By Joy Christine