How the new bursary deal will affect parents and students
By Aloys Michael, November 4, 2025The Ministry of Education has entered into an intergovernmental partnership with Kisumu and Marsabit counties aimed at streamlining the disbursement of bursaries and scholarships to learners.
In a gazette notice dated October 31, 2025, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced that he had signed the agreement with Governors Anyang Nyong’o of Kisumu and Mohamud Ali of Marsabit.
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Ogamba noted that the pact aims to enhance transparency and accountability in the management and utilisation of education funds in accordance with constitutional requirements.
The bursaries are categorised by student-specific needs, such as those for students from vulnerable or low-income households, career-specific, or for students with specific disabilities or challenges.
“The issuance of bursaries and scholarships by any level of government to any person is a social protection measure aimed at realizing Article 43(3) of the Constitution and ultimately promoting inclusive economic development and enhancing human development objectives, including better outcomes in education,” the notice read.
“Article 56 (b) obligates the State to put in place affirmative action programmes designed to ensure that minorities and marginalised groups are provided with special opportunities in educational and economic fields,” it added.
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Following the agreement, the two counties shall be required to create a framework, together with the ministry, that will guide the issuance of bursaries and scholarships in the two counties.
According to the agreement, the partnership aims to broaden financial support for education by reaching poor and vulnerable learners in basic education, technical and vocational training institutions, as well as universities.
Additionally, the county governments and the ministry will be required to establish mechanisms for mutual sharing of information and resource mobilisation to ensure a seamless process while distributing the bursaries and scholarships.
“The Parties shall consult, cooperate and support each other as appropriate in the development and implementation of programmes in education and training, specifically, in the issuance of bursaries and scholarships within the County,” the notice stated.
Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o and other government officials in 2025 called for a unified bursary management system to curb irregularities and ensure equitable allocation, a proposal that sparked opposition from county administrations.
What the deal means
The new bursary deal between the Ministry of Education and the county governments of Kisumu and Marsabit represents a major shift in how financial support for education will be managed and distributed.
For parents, this partnership promises a more transparent, fair, and efficient bursary system. Many have long complained about irregularities, favouritism, and delays in bursary disbursement.
With the new framework, funds will be allocated based on clear criteria such as household income levels, vulnerability, disabilities, or specific educational needs. This means that parents from low-income or marginalised backgrounds can expect a more reliable process that genuinely prioritises needy learners.
It may also reduce the financial burden on struggling families, allowing them to keep their children in school without interruption.
For students, especially those in vulnerable groups, the deal opens up broader access to educational opportunities across all levels. from basic education to university and technical training institutions.
By aligning national and county efforts, the partnership ensures that more learners benefit from scholarships and bursaries, regardless of where they live. This collaboration also supports inclusivity by addressing the needs of minorities and marginalised communities, as outlined in Articles 43(3) and 56(b) of the Constitution.
In practical terms, students will experience fewer delays in receiving bursaries, and the targeting process will be more objective. The shared information systems and accountability measures will minimise duplication and misuse of funds, ensuring that the right learners benefit.
Ultimately, the partnership is expected to improve educational outcomes, promote equality, and strengthen public trust in bursary management. It signals a positive step toward a unified, transparent, and socially responsive education financing system that supports both parents and learners nationwide.