ODM Governors Vs Controller Of Budget

ODM governors have condemned a decision by the Controller of Budget to bar counties from awarding bursaries to deserving learners, saying that the move risks collapsing the education sector.

In a directive issued earlier today to counties, the Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o said the constitution renders universities, tertiary educational institutions, primary schools, special education, secondary schools and special education institutions as functions of the national government.
She added that counties' lawful mandate is to oversee provision of pre-primary education, village polytechnics, home craft centres and childcare facilities.

“Consequently, for a county government to offer educational support towards functions classified under Part 1 of the Fourth Schedule, there is a need to transfer the function in accordance with Article 187 of the constitution,” she said.
In a rejoinder, four ODM governors have termed the financial restricition as one that undermines the principles of devolution and constitutionalism.
In a joint statement, Mombasa's Abdulswamad Nassir, Gladys Wanga (Homa Bay), Simba Arati (Kisii) and Anyang' Nyong'o of Kisumu said the national government has encroached on devolved functions without consequences.
They cited payment of Community Health Promoters, imposition of the Housing Levy despite housing being a devolved function, and the construction of markets without signed intergovernmental agreements.