The Ministry of Education has introduced a new bursary partnership that is expected to make a big difference for students and parents in Kenya.
Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba announced that the ministry has entered into an intergovernmental agreement with Kisumu and Marsabit county governments to improve how bursaries and scholarships are issued to learners in these regions.
In a gazette notice dated October 31, CS Ogamba confirmed that he had officially signed the deal with Kisumu Governor Prof. Anyang’ Nyong’o and Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali.
He explained that this collaboration will be a key step in promoting transparency, accountability, and proper management of education funds, in line with the Kenyan Constitution.
A bursary is a financial award that supports students by helping cover education costs such as tuition fees, books, and living expenses. Unlike loans, bursaries do not need to be repaid.
In Kenya, government bursaries are usually categorized according to the needs of students — including those from low-income families, vulnerable backgrounds, persons with disabilities, or students pursuing specific careers or training programs.
According to the gazette notice, the issuance of bursaries and scholarships is not just a financial aid measure but also a form of social protection meant to uphold Article 43(3) of the Constitution.
This article seeks to ensure that every Kenyan has access to education and other essential services that promote equality and national development.
The notice further highlighted Article 56(b), which requires the State to implement affirmative action programs that give minorities and marginalized groups equal opportunities in education and economic participation.
Through this new agreement, Kisumu and Marsabit counties will now work closely with the Ministry of Education to create a clear framework that guides how bursaries and scholarships will be managed and distributed.
The partnership seeks to expand educational financial support, especially targeting needy and vulnerable students in basic education, technical and vocational training institutions (TVETs), and universities.
The two county governments and the national ministry will also collaborate to build systems for sharing information and mobilizing resources.
This coordination is aimed at making the bursary distribution process more efficient and transparent, ensuring that deserving students benefit without delays or corruption.
“The parties shall consult, cooperate, and support each other in developing and implementing education programs, particularly in the fair issuance of bursaries and scholarships within the counties,” part of the notice read.
This new move comes at a time when the issue of bursary management in Kenya has been under intense discussion.
Earlier this year, Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o and other senior government officials proposed that bursary distribution be centralized under the national government to curb misuse and enhance equity.
However, the idea faced strong opposition from county leaders who argued that devolution allows them to better understand and respond to the needs of their local students.
If properly implemented, the new bursary deal between the Ministry of Education and the two county governments could bring positive change to how financial aid is distributed.
It is expected to reduce cases of favoritism, ensure fair allocation, and increase access to education for thousands of learners who rely on government assistance to stay in school.
Ultimately, this collaboration could ease the financial pressure on parents, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, while ensuring that more children across the two counties get the opportunity to pursue their dreams through education.
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