Governor Barasa’s Bursaries Advocacy Ends Standoff, Secures Consensus on County Education Funding

Governor Barasa, who chairs the Finance Committee at the Council of Governors, has been a vocal advocate for county-issued bursaries, emphasizing their critical role in ensuring vulnerable students have access to education. His efforts were central to discussions at the 26th Intergovernmental Budget and Economic Council (IBEC) session, chaired by Deputy President Kindiki.

During the session, stakeholders including the National Treasury, the Ministry of Education, the Controller of Budget, and the Council of Governors reached a crucial agreement to address the long-standing standoff over the issuance of bursaries. It was decided that a formal meeting would be convened to design a sustainable framework for bursary disbursement, clarifying the roles of both national and county governments in supporting education.

This agreement followed weeks of uncertainty sparked by the Controller of Budget, Dr. Margaret Nyakang’o, who had halted bursary disbursements, asserting that education funding was the responsibility of the national government. The new resolution now allows counties with established education funds to continue issuing bursaries, while those without such systems are required to either create them or collaborate with the Ministry of Education to ensure students are not left without support.

Governor Barasa hailed this development as a significant step toward ensuring equitable access to education. He emphasized that resolving this issue is not merely a procedural matter but a critical effort to support students whose education is at risk due to financial barriers.

Deputy President Kindiki also highlighted the importance of the agreement in advancing the government’s broader education goals. He noted that resolving the bursary standoff paves the way for long-term educational reforms that will empower communities and foster equity. He stressed that collaboration between county governments and the Ministry of Education would ensure bursary disbursements are both efficient and transparent, with eligible students receiving timely support.

Kakamega County serves as an example of the commitment to education funding. In the 2023/2024 financial year, the county allocated KSh240 million for bursaries, distributing KSh4 million to each of its 60 wards. This initiative aimed to support approximately 59,200 students, with each beneficiary receiving a minimum of KSh4,000. However, in July 2024, Governor Barasa announced a reduction in the allocation to KSh180 million, prioritizing funding for county polytechnics and Early Childhood Development Education (ECDE) centers. Despite the adjustment, the county has reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring students continue to receive financial aid.

This breakthrough marks the beginning of a more collaborative and structured approach to education funding. Governor Barasa expressed optimism that these efforts would ensure education remains a priority, even amid challenges. Moving forward, focus will be placed on establishing clear guidelines and accountability measures to ensure that every deserving student benefits from bursary programs.