Uasin Gishu Deputy Governor Hon. Evans Kapkea has urged Members of Parliament in the county to respect the office of the governor amid growing political tensions over the ongoing bursary fund launch ceremonies across all wards.

The Deputy Governor dismissed claims by MPs that each ward-level bursary launch event is costing the county government up to Sh5 million, insisting that the figures being circulated are exaggerated and misleading.

Speaking during a heated exchange over the programme, Kapkea defended the rollout of the bursary fund launch exercises, saying the initiative is aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and wider public participation in the distribution of education support funds.

“Respect the governor too,” Kapkea told the MPs, while defending the county’s approach to launching bursary programmes at ward level.

The dispute stems from concerns raised by some legislators who questioned the cost of the ceremonies, alleging that the devolved unit was spending excessive amounts on event organization instead of directing more resources to student support.

However, the Deputy Governor maintained that the bursary launch process does not incur the alleged Sh5 million per ward, terming the accusations politically motivated and not based on verified expenditure reports.

He argued that the ward-level launches are necessary to ensure that residents understand the criteria for allocation, promote inclusivity and prevent misinformation in the distribution of education funds.

Kapkea further emphasized that the county government remains committed to supporting needy students through a structured and transparent bursary programme, which he said has continued to benefit thousands of learners across Uasin Gishu.

The remarks come amid heightened political debate in the county over the management of devolved funds, with education support programmes often emerging as a key point of contention between county executives and legislators.

Despite the tensions, county officials insist that the bursary initiative remains one of the most impactful social programmes in the region, helping improve school retention rates and easing the financial burden on vulnerable families.

The County Government is expected to continue with the ward-based bursary launch events as scheduled, even as discussions between the executive and MPs continue over cost concerns and programme implementation.