The Orange Democratic Movement (ODM) has raised concerns over the Controller of Budget's directive that halts County Governments from issuing bursaries.
In a statement on Wednesday, January 15, the party termed the move as a threat to devolution and constitutional principles.
It described the move as a troubling pattern of political double standards, citing the National Government's alleged encroachment on devolved functions without facing similar scrutiny.
"While county governments are being targeted with embargoes, the National Government continues to act with impunity, encroaching on devolved functions without consequence. This includes the unilateral payment of Community Health Promoters, the imposition of the Housing Levy despite housing being a devolved function, and the construction of markets without signed intergovernmental agreements.
"If financial embargoes are to be imposed on counties, the same must apply to the National Government until it complies with constitutional provisions for intergovernmental cooperation," the ODM leadership said.
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ODM noted that such financial restrictions affect critical sectors, particularly education, which has been a key focus of county governments in marginalized regions.
"Across Kenya, county governments have implemented transformative programs to increase access to education, such as bursary schemes, school feeding programs, and infrastructure support. These programs are now at risk of collapse. For example, in counties like Kisumu, Mombasa, Kisii, and Homa Bay, thousands of children rely on county-supported bursary programs and school initiatives to remain in school and thrive academically," ODM added.
ODM pointed out Mombasa County as an example of how county bursary programs have been pivotal in bridging educational inequalities.
"In Mombasa, the No Child Left Behind program, the Governor's Scholarship, and the Boarding School Bursary program benefit over 55,000 high school students. If counties are barred from meeting their financial obligations, these students face expulsion, reversing hard-won gains in equitable access to education. This scenario is not unique to Mombasa it reflects the broader risks first by counties across the nation," ODM warned.
As a result, the party called on the Controller of the Budget to reconsider the directive and adopt equitable measures that respect the constitutional responsibilities of both the National and County Governments.
"We call on the Controller of Budget to reconsider this directive and to apply equitable measures that uphold the constitutional rights and responsibilities of both levels of government. Devolution was designed to empower counties, foster equity, and bring services closer to the people. Unilateral actions that undermine counties risk stalling progress and deepening inequalities," ODM emphasized.
