The county governments of Garissa and Laikipia have officially announced that they have entered into a new partnership with the national government to improve how bursaries and scholarships are managed and distributed to students.
In a recent gazette notice, Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu and Garissa Governor Nathif Aden confirmed that an intergovernmental agreement had been signed with the Ministry of Education.
The agreement, which was finalized on May 8, 2025, outlines how the two levels of government — national and county — will work together in handling the allocation and issuance of bursaries and scholarships.
According to the two governors, the move is aimed at promoting transparency, accountability, and fairness in the management of education funds.
They noted that the collaboration would ensure that all deserving students, especially those from disadvantaged backgrounds, have access to financial support to pursue their studies.
“It is hereby notified for the general information of the public that pursuant to the provisions of Article 187 of the Constitution of Kenya, Sections 6, 34, and 36 of the County Governments Act, and Section 26 of the Intergovernmental Relations Act, the National Government through the Ministry of Education and the County Government of Garissa have entered into an Intergovernmental Partnership Agreement dated May 8, 2025, on the issuance of bursaries and scholarships,” the notice stated.
The two governors emphasized that this agreement will provide a structured framework to guide how bursaries and scholarships are issued. It will also ensure equitable access to quality and inclusive education across the two counties.
In addition, the partnership will encourage the sharing of resources between the two levels of government, particularly in areas related to education service delivery and the management of financial aid programmes.
Kisumu and Marsabit Join the Initiative
The latest announcement by Garissa and Laikipia follows a similar partnership made earlier between the Ministry of Education and the county governments of Kisumu and Marsabit.
Just a week earlier, Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba revealed that his ministry had also signed the same type of agreement with Kisumu Governor Anyang’ Nyong’o and Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali.
In a gazette notice dated October 31, CS Ogamba confirmed that both governors had already formalized the deal.
He explained that the goal of these partnerships is to expand financial support for education, especially targeting needy and vulnerable learners in basic education, technical and vocational training institutions, as well as universities.
“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,” Ogamba stated.
The Education Ministry believes that such intergovernmental partnerships will help reduce duplication of efforts, improve coordination, and ensure that bursary funds reach deserving students faster and more efficiently.
Debate on Centralising Bursary Management
Earlier this year, several government officials, including Controller of Budget Margaret Nyakang’o, suggested that bursary distribution in Kenya should be centralised under the national government.
The proposal aimed to enhance transparency, fairness, and accountability in the management of education funds.
However, this idea faced strong resistance from county governments, who argued that bursary allocation should remain a county function, as they better understand local needs and can directly identify the most deserving beneficiaries.
Despite the differing opinions, the new agreements between counties and the national government mark an important step toward harmonising bursary issuance, ensuring that education funding is managed more efficiently and equitably across the country.
This collaborative effort reflects a growing commitment by both levels of government to empower learners, promote equal education opportunities, and eliminate corruption or favoritism in the awarding of bursaries and scholarships.
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