MPs Investigate Controversial Transfer of Sh3bn School Feeding Funds
Members of Parliament (MPs) are investigating a contentious transfer of a Sh3 billion school feeding programme between two state agencies. The National Council for Nomadic Education in Kenya initially managed this programme, designing it to reduce school dropouts in Arid and Semi-Arid areas. The Ministry of Education recently shifted it to the National Disaster Management Authority (NDMA).
The school feeding initiative targets learners in poverty-stricken counties and informal settlements by providing meals, aiming to keep children in school. Currently, the programme operates in 26 marginalized counties. Therefore, the transfer, outlined in Supplementary Budget I, has sparked debate among MPs who are currently reviewing it.
Basic Education Principal Secretary Belio Kipsang has labeled the transfer irregular. During a parliamentary session with the National Education Committee, Kipsang stressed the importance of maintaining the programme within the Ministry of Education. He argued that this would ensure proper alignment with other educational initiatives and better support for schoolchildren. As a result, he called for the programme’s reinstatement to the ministry to ensure it aligns with the academic calendar.
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The National Education Committee, chaired by Tinderet MP Julius Melly, questioned the inclusion of the programme’s transfer in the supplementary budget without prior notice. MPs voiced concerns over the NDMA’s capability to manage the programme compared to the Ministry of Education, which has established structures for such initiatives. Melly specifically questioned whether the Ministry of Education had been consulted before the policy shift.
Key Concerns Raised:
- Consultation Process: Melly questioned whether the Ministry of Education was consulted before the transfer.
- NDMA’s Capability: MPs demanded clarification on whether NDMA has the ability to manage the programme.
- Rationale for Transfer: MPs sought reasons for moving the programme from the education docket.
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Specific MP Concerns:
- Narok MP Rebecca Tonkei: She called for the National Treasury to explain the reallocation. In addition, she feared the transfer could increase school dropouts in marginalized areas.
- Mandera North MP Haro Ebrahim: He questioned the appropriateness of making such a significant policy change through a supplementary budget.
- Nyamira Woman Representative Jerusha Momanyi: She criticized the transfer, arguing that only the Education Ministry has the necessary structures to address deserving cases effectively.
Kipsang informed the committee that the programme has a pending bill of Sh2.4 billion from the last financial year due to exchequer issues. In addition, he emphasized that this pending bill will be prioritized in the FY 2024/25 budgetary allocation per the Public Finance Management Act (PFMA) of 2012.
The parliamentary inquiry into the transfer of the Sh3 billion school feeding funds continues. MPs seek to resolve the controversy and ensure the programme’s effectiveness.
MPs Investigate Controversial Transfer of Sh3bn School Feeding Funds.
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