Opande Calls for Consolidation of Bursaries in Education

There is a growing urgency in conversations around education financing, and this concern took center stage towards the end of the week.

Speaking during a caucus convened by Echo Network in partnership with the African Leaders Women Initiative Network (ALWIN), Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA) CEO Benter Opande called for the consolidation of bursaries, noting that the current system—though well-intentioned—is failing to reach many of the learners who need support the most.

Opande observed that bursaries hold immense potential to transform lives, but only if they are managed in a more coordinated, transparent, and accountable manner. Speaking in fluent Swahili, she emphasized that fragmented funding structures often lock out deserving learners, while inefficiencies allow others to fall through the cracks of the system.

Her remarks were echoed by Echo Network Founder and CEO Jennifer Riria, who noted that delays in reforming the bursary framework continue to disadvantage vulnerable families. Riria stressed that a unified approach would significantly enhance effectiveness and help restore public trust in education support programmes.

The caucus brought together women leaders from diverse sectors for a candid round-table discussion on issues affecting women and education in Kenya.

Benter Opande is the Chief Executive Officer of the Kenya Women Teachers Association (KEWOTA).