By Treezer Michelle Atieno
In a move that has raised eyebrows among education stakeholders in Bungoma County, the
county government has announced a significant reduction in the budget allocation for
education. According to the proposed budgetary allocations in the Programme Based Budget
(PBB) covering the financial year 2024-25, the education budget for the 2024/2025 financial
year has been slashed by approximately 30%, leaving many concerned about the potential
impact on the quality of education in the county.
The reduction in funding comes when schools in Bungoma County are grappling with various
challenges, including inadequate infrastructure, insufficient teaching staff, and a lack of
learning materials. The situation is particularly dire in rural areas, where schools often lack
basic amenities such as water and electricity.
With fewer resources available, schools may be forced to make difficult choices between
essential services. For instance, they may have to prioritize teacher salaries over textbooks or
school maintenance. Alternatively, they may have to increase fees to make up for the shortfall
in government funding.
Laura Doresi from the Forum for African Women Educationalists (FAWE) has expressed
concern over the reduction in funding for education, especially for Technical and Vocational
Education and Training (TVET) institutions. The budget for TVET has been cut from KSh 20
million to KSh 15 million. Doresi emphasized that TVET institutions play a vital role in
providing education and skills training to students who do not follow the traditional academic
path.
These institutions are essential for equipping students with practical skills that enhance their
employability and contribute to the county’s economic development. The reduction in TVET
funding could limit the capacity of these institutions to serve students effectively and to
expand their programs to meet growing demand.
Another significant area of concern is the impact on education support programs, particularly
scholarships and bursaries. These programs have been instrumental in helping students from
disadvantaged backgrounds access education. However, with the reduced budget, the
availability of scholarships and bursaries is likely to decline, making it more difficult for
many students to continue their education.
John Mukenya, the coordinator of Bungoma County Children's Network (BCCRN), has
called on the county assembly to reconsider the budget allocation and to increase the funding
for education to KSh 1.8 billion. He argued that this increase is necessary to ensure the
education department can meet its obligations and support all students effectively.
It remains to be seen how schools will adapt to these funding cuts and what measures the
Bungoma County Government will take to mitigate their impact on education quality.
