By Dennis Weche 
Education is a cornerstone of progress, both for individuals and society. Yet, in Kenya, many students from underprivileged backgrounds still face insurmountable barriers to accessing quality education. County bursaries have become a critical intervention, providing much-needed financial relief to deserving learners. Kakamega Governor Fernandes Barasa has been vocal in defending the role of counties in administering bursaries, arguing that they are a necessary tool for promoting equality in education.
His position reflects a reality that cannot be ignored: counties, being closer to the grassroots, are better equipped to address local challenges and support learners in need. At a time when debates around the legality of county bursaries and the future of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) dominate national discourse, it is essential to focus on solutions that ensure no child is left behind.
The Case for County Bursaries
Education equity is not just a Kenyan priority. It is a global imperative. The United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 4 (SDG 4) seeks to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education for all by 2030. While national policies provide a framework, localized interventions such as county bursaries are what make these goals achievable.
Counties are uniquely positioned to assess and respond to the needs of their communities. For example, in Kakamega County, Governor Barasa’s administration doubled the ward-based bursary allocation to Ksh 4 million per ward, resulting in a total disbursement of Ksh 240 million. This support has allowed thousands of learners in secondary schools, colleges, and universities to continue their education uninterrupted.
The impact of such programs cannot be overstated. Beyond addressing immediate financial challenges, bursaries contribute to breaking the cycle of poverty by giving students the tools they need to build better futures for themselves and their families.
The CDF Conundrum and the Role of Counties
The potential abolition of the Constituency Development Fund (CDF) has added urgency to the need for robust county bursary programs. For years, CDF funds have supported education, helping students pay school fees and purchase essential supplies. If this fund is scrapped, county bursaries will be the primary fallback for many families.
Critics, including the Controller of Budget, have argued that counties lack the mandate to fund secondary and tertiary education. While this legal concern is valid, it fails to address the practical realities on the ground. Many families depend on these bursaries, and discontinuing them would widen the already stark educational inequality in the country.
Instead of dismissing county bursaries, national and county governments should collaborate to create a comprehensive framework for education financing. Such a framework would harmonize efforts, ensuring both levels of government contribute to supporting learners, particularly those from marginalized communities.
Governor Barasa’s Leadership as a Model
Governor Barasa has demonstrated what strong leadership in education looks like. Beyond bursary allocations, his administration has prioritized vocational training, channeling resources to county polytechnics and Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers. This focus aligns with Kenya’s Vision 2030, which emphasizes the importance of technical and vocational skills in driving industrialization and reducing unemployment.
His approach offers valuable lessons for other counties. By tailoring education initiatives to local needs, counties can complement national efforts and ensure that no student is left behind.
The Bigger Picture
Globally, education is recognized as one of the most effective tools for reducing poverty and inequality. According to the World Bank, every additional year of schooling can increase an individual’s earnings by up to 10 percent. For Kenya, where millions of children still face barriers to education, investing in programs like county bursaries is not just a moral obligation. It is an economic necessity.
As the debate over education funding continues, one thing is clear: we cannot afford to let financial constraints hold back our learners. County governments must be empowered to support education, and stakeholders must work together to ensure resources are distributed transparently and equitably.
Governor Barasa’s steadfast defense of county bursaries is a call to action. His leadership underscores the importance of localized solutions in addressing national challenges. It is a model that other counties and indeed the entire country should emulate. After all, the future of Kenya depends on the education of its children. Let us not fail them.
Angatia Leonard
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