The county governments of Garissa and Laikipia have revealed that they have signed a new agreement with the national government to streamline the issuance of bursaries and scholarships.
In a gazette notice, Laikipia Governor Joshua Irungu and Garissa Governor Nathif Aden announced that an intergovernmental agreement had already been signed with the Ministry of Education.
The agreement, signed on May 8, 2025, means the two levels of government will collaborate in managing and issuing bursaries and scholarships.
According to the two county chiefs, the agreement will be vital in ensuring that there is transparency and accountability in the utilisation and management of bursaries and scholarships.
"IT IS 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, section 26 of the Intergovernmental Relations Act, that the National Government through the Ministry of Education and the County Government of Garissa have entered into an Intergovernmental Partnership Agreement dated the 8th May, 2025, on issuance of bursaries and scholarships," the notice read
According to the governors, the agreement will enable the two parties to create a structural framework that will guide the issuance of bursaries. The move also aims to ensure equitable access to quality and inclusive education.
Additionally, the two levels of government will ensure that they share resources in education service delivery, according to the notice.
Kisumu, Marsabit Bursaries
The announcement comes a week after Education Cabinet Secretary Julius Ogamba revealed that his ministry had also entered into the same agreement with Kisumu and Marsabit.
In a gazette notice dated October 31, Ogamba confirmed that Kisumu Governor Anyang' Nyong'o and Marsabit Governor Mohamud Ali had already penned the partnership.
According to Ogamba, 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.
"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 said.
This year, various government officials, including controller of budget Controller of Budget is Margaret Nyakang'o, have advocated for centralising bursary distribution in Kenya to enhance transparency and equity, a proposal that faced stiff opposition from County Government officials.
