Ruto taken to task over scholarships

Written By:Collins Anampiu , Posted: Wed, Aug 11, 2010

Higher education minister William Ruto was on Tuesday put on the spot over the allocation of scholarship awards from foreign countries to various constituencies.

Ruto said currently there are over 326 scholarships awarded by over 12 foreign countries from both Europe and Asia.

However Yatta MP Charles Kilonzo accused the ministry of failing to award the scholarships on merit claiming that they have become a preserve of ministers.

According to the minister, however, North Eastern province has been awarded 43 beneficiaries, 51 to Eastern, 40 to Western and 38 to Coast and 21 to Nairobi.

Members however requested the speaker to allow the minister to bring a comprehensive answer to the house detailing the allocation of the scholarships per constituency, the criteria and merits used to award the scholarships.

The minister is expected to provide an answer to the question next Wednesday.