Murang’a Governor Irungu Kang’ata has declared legal action against the Controller of Budget, accusing the office of defying a court order to release Ksh 15 million in critical bursary funds ahead of schools reopening this week. The delay threatens to derail education for thousands of vulnerable students reliant on county support.
Governor Kang’ata, addressing journalists today, revealed the county’s move to initiate contempt proceedings following weeks of stalled disbursements. The funds, already approved under the current financial year, were frozen despite a Nakuru High Court ruling on April 8 clarifying that a temporary order blocking new bursaries for 2025/26 did not apply to existing programs. Justice Mohochi S.M had explicitly directed that current-year bursaries proceed, a directive the Controller of Budget has yet to honor.
“Education is a right, not a privilege,” Kang’ata asserted, his tone sharp with frustration. “We have a court order in hand, needy students with fees unpaid, and a national office dragging its feet. This is a betrayal of our children’s future.” Over 10,000 learners in Murang’a risk being turned away from schools if the funds are not released imminently, county officials warned.
The governor lambasted the National Treasury for what he called “systemic inefficiency,” urging urgent reforms to streamline budget reimbursements to counties. “This isn’t just about bursaries—it’s about whether devolution can function when national institutions disregard their obligations,” he said, demanding tighter collaboration between governments to avert future crises.
