NGOs Replacing Government Significance, To Donors

By Darasa Team
Move by the British government to channel the Free Primary Education funds through Non-governmental organizations, citing government’s dirty hands in managing the funds clearly shows diminishing government significance in the eyes of foreign donors.
British government through its Kenyan representative Rob Macaire recently announced its willingness to channel over Ksh.2.3 billion through NGOs and school boards for the support of free primary education while bypassing the government. The money is set to be released next month when Britain reads its budget for the year 2010/2011.
Several Organizations contacted by Darasa Times welcomed the move but warned it could hit a snag if donors completely alienate the government from the programme.
“The position of the government in any well-meaning development project cannot be undermined. Money may have been lost under government’s watch, yes, but we need them anyway,” Noted one NGO coordinator based in Dandora.